Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed on Monday that India must stay prepared for any potential “war-like situations,” as evidenced by the recent four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May. This conflict served as a stark reminder that challenges can emerge unexpectedly along the borders.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Singh stressed the significance of the situation, pointing out that India’s “firm response” during Operation Sindoor offers crucial insights for the nation’s future security strategies. “The episode should act as a case study for our military and strategic planning moving forward,” he asserted.
Singh noted, “Although we responded firmly and our forces are fully prepared to defend the country’s borders, we must continue to introspect,” emphasizing that the operation highlighted the unpredictable nature of border challenges.
Highlighting the need for self-reliance, Singh praised India’s indigenously developed weapons systems such as the Akash missile and BrahMos. He stated that these advancements played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, contributing to India’s international reputation as a growing military power.
“We need to be ready for a war-like situation, and our preparedness must rest on our own foundation,” Singh declared, pointing out that fostering indigenisation is crucial to effectively handle emerging global uncertainties.
Singh outlined the government’s commitment to creating a level-playing field for defence manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from mere assembly to actual manufacturing within India. He stated, “We are committed to embodying the spirit of ‘Made in India, Made for the World’.”
He further elaborated on the growth of India’s defence production, revealing that it has surged from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a staggering ₹1.51 lakh crore today. The private sector, he noted, significantly contributes ₹33,000 crore to this figure, an indication of a more vibrant and innovative defence industry.
Additionally, Singh highlighted that defence exports now approach ₹24,000 crore, with expectations to reach ₹30,000 crore by March 2026. This growth reflects India’s ambition to become a formidable player in the global defence market.
In conclusion, Singh’s statements resonate with a sense of urgency for India to enhance its military preparedness and self-reliance. As geopolitical threats evolve, the Defence Ministry’s focus on indigenisation and robust defence manufacturing suggests a strategic pivot towards achieving greater autonomy and operational readiness.
