Rajnath Singh Urges Defence Industry to Invest in R&D for a Self-Reliant India
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged Indian defence manufacturers to view expenditure on research and development (R&D) as a long-term strategic investment rather than a financial burden. Addressing the 8th Annual Session of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and presenting the SIDM Champion Awards 2026 in New Delhi, he emphasised the importance of technological innovation, indigenous manufacturing and greater private-sector participation in strengthening India's defence capabilities.
The message comes at a time when modern warfare is becoming increasingly technology-driven. From unmanned aerial vehicles and precision-guided weapons to artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance systems, emerging technologies are transforming military preparedness. Developing these capabilities domestically is essential for strengthening India's strategic autonomy and ensuring that its armed forces have access to advanced and reliable equipment.
Research and Development at the Heart of Defence Innovation
R&D plays a critical role in developing new technologies, improving existing equipment and addressing emerging security challenges. Singh's appeal highlights the need for defence manufacturers to invest consistently in innovation instead of focusing exclusively on immediate production costs and short-term returns.
Although research projects often require substantial funding and time, their long-term benefits can include improved product quality, stronger intellectual property and reduced dependence on imported technologies. Greater investment in indigenous research can also help Indian companies develop specialised solutions suited to the operational requirements of the armed forces.
Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing and Exports
India's defence manufacturing sector has made significant progress in expanding domestic production and increasing exports. According to the Ministry of Defence, defence production reached a record ₹1.54 lakh crore in the financial year 2024–25, while defence exports rose to ₹23,622 crore during the same period.
This expansion reflects the growing contribution of domestic manufacturers, defence public sector undertakings and private companies. Sustaining this momentum will require continued investment in advanced manufacturing, product development and quality standards.
India has also set an ambitious target of increasing defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029. Indigenous innovation can support this objective by helping Indian companies develop competitive products for international markets while strengthening domestic supply chains.
Private Sector Participation and Industry Collaboration
Greater cooperation between the government, private manufacturers, start-ups and research institutions will be important for advancing India's defence technology ecosystem. Private companies and smaller enterprises can contribute specialised components, electronics, software and engineering solutions that complement the capabilities of established defence organisations.
Initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) encourage start-ups and innovators to develop solutions for military requirements. Such programmes can help bridge the gap between research and practical application, creating opportunities for new technologies to progress from the development stage to deployment.
Closer collaboration between manufacturers and research organisations, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), can further accelerate indigenous innovation. Access to testing facilities, technical expertise and suitable funding will be important for translating research into reliable defence products.
Building Long-Term Strategic Self-Reliance
Defence self-reliance involves more than manufacturing equipment within the country. It also requires the ability to design, test, upgrade and maintain advanced systems using domestic expertise and dependable supply chains.
As military requirements continue to evolve, Indian manufacturers must strengthen their research capabilities alongside production capacity. A sustained focus on innovation can help reduce vulnerabilities arising from external supply disruptions, improve operational readiness and create skilled employment opportunities in engineering, science and advanced manufacturing.
The MGMM Outlook
Rajnath Singh’s call for Indian defence manufacturers to treat research and development as a strategic investment highlights the importance of indigenous innovation in strengthening India’s defence capabilities. As modern warfare increasingly relies on artificial intelligence, advanced surveillance, drones and precision-guided systems, sustained investment in domestic research can help India develop advanced technologies and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. The growth of defence production to ₹1.54 lakh crore and exports to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25 reflects the expanding capabilities of India’s defence manufacturing sector and creates a strong foundation for further progress.
Achieving long-term defence self-reliance will require continued collaboration between the government, private manufacturers, start-ups and research institutions such as DRDO. Greater investment in innovation, improved testing facilities and the development of indigenous technologies can strengthen military preparedness while creating opportunities for skilled employment and global market expansion. By prioritising research alongside manufacturing, India can build a more resilient and competitive defence ecosystem, strengthen its strategic autonomy and advance its ambition of becoming a leading global defence manufacturing and export hub.
(Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Times of India)
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