India is charting a bold course in its defence sector with ambitions to achieve an annual defence production worth Rs 3 lakh crore by the fiscal year 2028-29. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined the Modi government’s visionary goals, articulating a drive towards propelling India into a developed nation by 2047. India’s journey from a modest defence exporter to securing a position among the world’s top 25 is marked by an exponential increase in defence exports, from less than Rs 1,000 crore to a staggering Rs 16,000 crore.
Rajnath Singh stressed the paradigm shift in defence production that aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative, noting the surge in domestic production to over Rs 1 lakh crore annually. This transition to self-reliance is also reflected in the structural reforms within the military, as emphasized during his speech at a defence summit. The Indian military, previously operating in isolation, has now embraced improved coordination and jointness to tackle any challenge with enhanced synergy. The Defence Minister shed light on various initiatives, such as bans on specific imports and steps to boost the domestic industrial base in defence.
The Defence Ministry’s substantial budget allocation and approved capital acquisitions underscore the government’s commitment to national security. Singh emphasized the integration and jointness across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The burgeoning support for start-ups in the defence sector is a clear signal of the government’s long-term vision to leverage innovation for global acclaim in defence manufacturing.
Speaking on procurement reforms, the Defence Minister mentioned the liberalization of terms for start-ups in the defence acquisition process. This open invitation to young entrepreneurs to contribute to the defence sector promises to propel India’s defence identity onto the world stage over the next 25 years.
Simultaneously, the recent global military conflicts have revealed the significant gaps in military-industrial complexes of developed nations, underscoring an urgent need for readiness and adaptability. The West’s arsenal is at a critical junction, especially in contrast to the East’s capabilities, as seen in the context of artillery ammunition being provided to Russia by North Korea. The staggering demand and consumption of military resources in conflicts such as the Ukraine war have outpaced the production capacities of Western nations.
Facing the geopolitical realities and potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific, India recognizes the imperative to fortify its defence industry. This entails not only sustaining a peacetime economy but also preparing for the eventuality of prolonged and high-intensity warfare with an increasingly digitized and autonomous defence posture.
The initiatives for self-reliance in India’s defence (AID) must now embrace a wreath of strategic, operational, and industrial adjustments. This includes a candid assessment of the country’s military-industrial readiness, ensuring an adequate and robust stockpile, and enhancing digital and supply chain independence.
Further considerations involve expanding the private sector’s role in defence production, securing critical raw materials, and diving into the digital combat arena with advancements in AI and deep technology. For India to emerge as a global defence power, it must foster innovation and create its own intellectual property in defence, similar to the competitive stature of Chinese defence companies.
Lieutenant General Raj Shukla advocates for the imperative transformation of the AID, calling for an embrace of digital combat, data security, and an indoctrination of AI and deep tech into the defence realm. This transition is fundamental not only to equip India’s military forces but also to contribute significantly to the country’s growth as a defence powerhouse on the international stage.
As India takes determined steps towards an ambitious future, the Defence Minister’s narrative showcases a nation poised to surmount its challenges, innovate, and command its destiny in the world of defence production and self-sufficiency.