Rajnath Singh Highlights India’s Defence Self-Reliance, Cites Growth in Start-ups, Indigenous Manufacturing and Exports
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underscored the importance of research, development and innovation in achieving self-reliance in the defence sector, highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen the participation of start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and young innovators in India’s defence industry.
He said initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), iDEX Prime and the ADITI scheme had opened new avenues for innovators to develop advanced defence technologies and contribute to the country’s expanding defence industrial ecosystem.
The Ministry of Defence has approved the procurement of goods and services worth more than ₹2,400 crore from start-ups and MSMEs, while projects valued at over ₹1,500 crore have been sanctioned for the development of new technologies, Singh said.
As of March 2026, iDEX had engaged 676 start-ups and innovators and facilitated the signing of 551 contracts. Highlighting the sector’s rapid expansion, he noted that India’s defence start-up ecosystem had grown from a few dozen enterprises in 2018 to more than 2,000. These enterprises are working across emerging fields, including drones, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity and robotics.
Public-Private Partnership Strengthening Defence Manufacturing
Highlighting the transformation of India’s defence industrial base, Singh said defence production was no longer confined to the public sector. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private industries, more than 16,000 MSMEs, supply units and innovation centres are collectively strengthening the country’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.
He also highlighted the impact of the corporatisation of the former Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), stating that the reform had helped transform loss-making entities into profitable enterprises. The growing participation of public and private stakeholders, he said, reflected a new phase in India’s defence industrial development.
Indigenous Ammunition Production Gains Momentum
On defence procurement reforms, the Defence Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to modernisation, indigenisation, transparency and accountability.
Citing progress in domestic ammunition manufacturing, Singh said 159 of the 175 ammunition variants used by the Defence Forces were now being produced indigenously, marking significant progress towards self-reliance in this critical area.
He also highlighted India’s growing capabilities in manufacturing bulletproof jackets, which are exported to more than 100 countries. India, he noted, was the fourth country in the world to establish a national standard for bulletproof jackets aligned with international norms.
OROP and Chief of Defence Staff Among Key Reforms
Referring to major reforms undertaken to strengthen the defence establishment, Singh highlighted the implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme and the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
He described these measures as significant steps towards strengthening India’s defence framework and improving its overall capabilities.
Expressing confidence in the country’s long-term development prospects, Singh said India would emerge as a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by the centenary of its independence, providing global leadership in key areas, including technology, the economy and defence.
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