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In a powerful acknowledgement of India’s growing defence self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared the success of Operation Sindoor as a defining moment for the Make-in-India initiative.
Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, the minister highlighted how homegrown military platforms proved crucial in neutralising threats across the border.
“We destroyed terrorist hubs and critical military assets, but we also sent a message—that India no longer depends on others to defend itself,” he said.
This operation, backed by cutting-edge Indian technology—including elements of AI, cyber defence, and unmanned systems—reinforced that India’s defence sector is combat-ready, future-facing, and strategically autonomous.
AMCA: India’s 5th Gen Fighter Takes Flight with Industry Collaboration
Singh unveiled the Execution Model of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project—a 5th generation fighter jet initiative that will now formally include private sector players alongside state-run defence giants.
Describing the move as a “bold and visionary leap,” the minister said, “Developing five indigenous prototypes before moving into series production will place India among the elite aerospace powers globally.”
BharatShakti has reported previously, the AMCA project is being seen as a major force multiplier, not just militarily, but also economically, offering extensive opportunities for MSMEs, startups, and defence manufacturers.
PoJK: A Matter of Time, Not Debate
In his address the minister reiterated India’s position on PoJK, affirming it as an integral part of the nation. “The people of PoJK remain emotionally connected to India. Their voluntary return to the national mainstream is inevitable,” he said, underlining the government’s commitment to the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
He stated that all future dialogue with Pakistan would be limited to terrorism and PoJK, effectively closing the door on broader bilateral discussions.
Record Defence Exports
India’s defence industrial base has witnessed unprecedented growth, reflecting increasing global confidence in its capabilities. Singh announced that annual defence production has surged past Rs 1.46 lakh crore, with the private sector contributing over Rs 32,000 crore. Meanwhile, exports have reached an all-time high of over Rs 24,000 crore, a steep climb from the Rs 600-700 crore range a decade ago.
“India is no longer a passive consumer of defence technology. We’re now a serious player in global defence exports, with our equipment reaching over 100 countries,” Singh said. From fighter jets and missiles to components and services, Indian defence products are being embraced for their quality and reliability.
New-Age Warfare
Highlighting the nation’s progress in New Age Warfare, Singh revealed that India is actively developing capabilities in AI-driven defence systems, cyber security, unmanned platforms, and space-based technologies. “India is positioning itself not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a global R&D leader in defence technology,” he said.
He lauded the efforts of over 16,000 MSMEs that form the backbone of the defence supply chain. “These enterprises are not only advancing self-reliance but are also generating employment and technological innovation,” he noted.
Vision 2047
Drawing attention to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, Singh called for deeper synergy between the government and industry. “National security and economic progress go hand in hand. If protecting company interests is your karma, then securing national interests must be your dharma,” he urged the industrial leaders.
He concluded by reinforcing the central theme of the summit— “Building Trust – India First.” In a rapidly evolving global order, he said, trust is India’s most valuable currency, earned through strength, stability, and self-reliance.
Among the key attendees were Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, CII President Sanjiv Puri and industry leaders.
