New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday, said India has entered a decisive phase in its defence journey, where technology, indigenous innovation, and private sector participation are collectively shaping a new global identity for the country.
Addressing the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, the minister stated that warfare is no longer defined solely by physical strength, but is increasingly driven by advanced technologies, real-time data systems, and automated platforms.
He said this transition has significantly strengthened India’s operational capabilities and enhanced its global standing.
Dr. Singh highlighted that over the past decade, India has moved from being a major importer of defence equipment to an emerging exporter, according to an official release. He noted that defence production has reached Rs 1.54 lakh crore, marking a 174% rise in 10 years, while exports have surged to Rs 23,622 crore, reflecting a 34-fold increase during the same period.
He added that the private sector has contributed around Rs 15,000 crore to total exports, signalling a major shift towards collaborative defence manufacturing.
Referring to increased government support, the minister pointed out that the Union Budget 2026-27 has earmarked Rs 6,81,000 crore for defence, which is 9.5% higher than the previous year.
He also underlined that sectors such as space, atomic energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies are now integral to India’s defence preparedness. Dr. Singh noted that India has made rapid progress in quantum-secure communication systems, which he said will play a crucial role in future warfare scenarios.
The minister said ongoing reforms in key sectors have created new opportunities for industry participation, enabling faster innovation cycles and greater scalability of indigenous technologies. He added that government funding mechanisms and policy initiatives are building a strong ecosystem for research, development, and deployment.
