New Delhi, December 19: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the remarkable strides India has made towards self-reliance in the defence sector, emphasizing that the country has moved at an “unprecedented” pace since the Modi government came to power. Speaking at the Indian National Academy of Engineering’s Annual Convention at IIT Delhi, Singh acknowledged that India was once behind in terms of modern weapons and technology but has now begun to catch up rapidly, particularly in defence innovation.
Singh stated that modern warfare is evolving quickly, and India needs to keep pace by adopting cutting-edge technologies to address future security challenges. He urged scientists and engineers to master critical technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, which are poised to impact nearly every sector in the coming years. He also reminded the audience to remain grounded in India’s rich heritage while embracing these advancements.
The Defence Minister emphasized that India is still in the early stages of mastering these technologies but stressed the importance of gaining expertise in them to address the country’s basic needs and improve the welfare of its people. He noted that the defence sector, like all other sectors, cannot remain untouched by the rapid global changes driven by technological progress.
Since the Modi government’s tenure began, Singh noted, India has made significant progress toward defence self-reliance, with initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Technology Development Fund (TDF) designed to harness the talent of Indian youth in the defence and aerospace sectors. Launched in 2018, iDEX aims to foster innovation by encouraging technological development in defence and aerospace, with a focus on nurturing talent and supporting youth-led initiatives.
Singh pointed out that India is now exporting weapons that were once imported, marking a historic shift towards self-sufficiency. This transformation, he said, is the result of collaboration between the public and private sectors, academia, and innovators. He expressed confidence that India would soon achieve a formidable technical edge in the global arena.
The Defence Minister also lauded the role of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in advancing scientific development, in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He emphasized the need to strengthen the relationship between industry, research institutions, and academia to advance frontier technologies, much like in developed nations.
Singh noted that India is currently the youngest nation, with its youth possessing the passion and capability to drive innovation. The government, he assured, stands firmly behind the country’s youth, providing them with support and funding for their innovations. With India now emerging as a hub for start-ups and technological innovation, Singh expressed optimism that the nation would continue to build its technological prowess.
He concluded by commending the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) for its pivotal role in making India self-reliant and for driving a technological revolution in the country through a focus on innovation, modernization, and collaboration.
