New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said disturbances in the Persian Gulf region are directly affecting oil and gas supply and disrupting global supply chains. He said the resulting uncertainties are impacting the global economy and international trade.
Speaking at “Sagar Sankalp – Reclaiming India’s Maritime Glory,” a defence and maritime dialogue held in Kolkata, Singh said the current global situation remains abnormal and warned that such instability risks becoming the new normal.
Singh also said that disturbances in the global environment have begun to disrupt supply chains across sectors. He added that the current global scenario remains abnormal and expressed concern that such abnormal conditions are gradually becoming the new normal.
Singh described technological dynamism as a defining feature of the modern era, according to an official statement. He said technology is transforming every sphere of life, and its impact is particularly visible in the defence sector.
He highlighted a series of structural and policy reforms undertaken by the government to strengthen defence production both qualitatively and quantitatively. These reforms focus on transparency, financial discipline, performance benchmarking, and stronger research and development. He said defence public sector undertakings remain a key pillar of the government’s self-reliance vision.
In the shipbuilding sector, he noted that Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and other shipyards have received special attention to strengthen the domestic industrial ecosystem.
Singh pointed out that the government’s efforts are producing positive results. He said domestic defence production crossed a record Rs 1.50 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, while defence exports reached an all-time high of about Rs 24,000 crore.
He added that exports are expected to touch around Rs 29,000 crore by April 2026, and the government aims to achieve Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by FY 2029-30.
The minister also acknowledged the growing role of the private sector. He said private industry currently contributes about 25% of defence platforms, equipment, and accessories manufactured in the country. He expressed confidence that the share could rise to 50% of total defence production by value in the coming years.
Singh further stated that all warships and submarines currently on order for the Indian Navy are being built in Indian shipyards, covering design, engineering, construction, and lifecycle support. He described this as a major step towards defence self-reliance and said the concept of a builder’s navy has now become a practical reality.
He also praised the contribution of MSMEs, start-ups, and indigenous vendors in building large defence platforms. According to him, the construction of a warship involves joint efforts from multiple stakeholders, which creates a conglomerate effect.
He explained that such collaboration increases efficiency, reduces risks, and promotes innovation across the defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Singh said India’s maritime domain can remain safe and prosperous if the country advances with coordinated planning, technology adoption, and institutional synergy. He added that the operational readiness of the Indian Navy, along with initiatives towards self-reliance, shows that India’s defence sector is moving in the right direction.
He also said the government aims to place India among the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030, with a long-term goal of entering the top five by 2047.
