Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that India’s defence ecosystem has undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years, becoming far stronger and more resilient than in the past. Stressing the importance of constant military readiness, he pointed to the challenges posed by an “unpredictable neighbour” and said India cannot afford complacency when it comes to national security.
He underlined that no one can predict when weapons and military capabilities may be required, and therefore preparedness must be maintained at all times. Referring indirectly to regional security concerns, Singh said India’s strategic environment demands vigilance, as the actions of neighbouring countries can be uncertain and sudden. This reality, he said, makes it essential for India to remain fully equipped and operationally prepared.
The Defence Minister was speaking at the Caliber Ammunition Facility Construction programme organised by Solar Industries in Nagpur. During his address, he said India is no longer confined to the role of a defence importer and has steadily emerged as a defence exporter, marking a decisive shift in the country’s military and industrial capabilities.
Singh said that India’s defence ecosystem today is many times stronger than it was a decade ago, driven by policy reforms, domestic manufacturing and increased participation of the private sector. He noted that the country has moved beyond dependence on foreign suppliers and has entered the global defence export market with confidence, aspiring to become a significant supplier of military hardware worldwide.
Highlighting the dramatic growth in defence exports, Singh said that about ten years ago, India’s defence exports stood at roughly Rs 1,000 crore. Today, he said, that figure has crossed Rs 25,000 crore, reflecting a sharp and sustained rise. He added that the government has now set an ambitious target of increasing defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore in the coming years, signalling India’s intent to play a larger role in the global defence supply chain.
He linked this progress to the broader vision of self-reliance, saying India is working towards comprehensive self-sufficiency across sectors in line with its long-term national goals for 2047. Singh emphasised that self-reliance should not be viewed as a mere slogan, but as a strategic necessity for a country of India’s size, responsibilities and security challenges.
Referring to recent military operations, Singh mentioned Operation Sindoor and highlighted the successful use of the Nagastra drone, which has been developed by Solar Industries. He said the drone was effectively deployed during the operation and was used to carry out precise strikes against terrorist targets, demonstrating the growing sophistication of India’s indigenous defence technologies.
He added that systems like the Nagastra drone have proven their accuracy and operational value, and in the future, such indigenously developed equipment would pose a serious threat to adversaries. According to him, the increasing deployment of advanced domestic platforms would significantly enhance India’s deterrence and combat capabilities.
Singh also praised Solar Industries for its contribution to India’s defence manufacturing landscape. Headquartered in Nagpur, the company is among the country’s leading private-sector defence manufacturers and supplies a wide range of modern military equipment to the armed forces. He said the role played by such companies is critical in strengthening indigenous capabilities and reducing India’s reliance on imported defence equipment.
