Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, highlighted India’s shift from a major defence equipment importer to an emerging exporter. Defence production surged by 174% to Rs 1.54 lakh crore, with exports increasing 34 times to Rs 23,622 crore. Notably, the private sector contributed around Rs 15,000 crore to total exports, indicating a move towards collaborative defence manufacturing.
India’s defence journey has entered a crucial phase, focusing on technology, indigenous innovation, and private sector involvement. The landscape of warfare now integrates advanced technologies, real-time data systems, and automated platforms, moving beyond physical strength. Sectors like space, atomic energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies are pivotal for India’s defence preparedness, with rapid progress in quantum-secure communication capabilities.
The government’s support for defence is evident in the budget allocation for 2026-27, which stands at Rs 681,000 crore, marking a 9.5% increase from the previous year. Reforms in key sectors have paved the way for industry participation, fostering quicker innovation cycles and the scaling of indigenous technologies. Funding mechanisms and policy initiatives are nurturing a robust ecosystem for research, development, and deployment.
Dr Jitendra Singh stressed the importance of synergy between the Armed Forces, scientific research, and industrial capabilities for a resilient and self-reliant defence ecosystem. Accelerated timelines from design to deployment, emphasizing reliability, scalability, and long-term sustainment, are crucial. The evolving role of the Armed Forces extends beyond national security to encompass disaster response and humanitarian aid, showcasing their vital contributions.
The North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj serves as a key platform uniting the Armed Forces, industry, academia, and start-ups to develop indigenous solutions for operational needs. With a focus on artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, counter-drone technologies, and more, the event draws over 280 industry partners. Dr Jitendra Singh underlined India’s pursuit of defence self-reliance rooted in technological sovereignty, expressing confidence in collaborative efforts propelling India as a leading defence technology nation.
