Reviving Indian Arms: Rajnath Singh’s Defence Plan Focuses on Self-Reliance, Speed, and ₹3 Lakh Cr Exports by 2029

India's defence manufacturing is set to exceed ₹1.6 lakh crore in value this year, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Speaking at the Defence Conclave 2025 – Force of the Future, hosted by The Week, Singh presented a clear and ambitious vision for the future of India's defence sector.

“This year, defence production should cross ₹1.60 lakh crore, while our target is to produce defence equipment worth ₹3 lakh crore by the year 2029,” he stated.

Work is also underway to develop engines for fifth-generation fighter jets, he said. | ANI

This planned leap goes beyond mere numbers. It’s a key component of a larger vision to strengthen India’s domestic military-industrial base, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, and establish the country as a global defense hub.

A Credible Deterrent, Not Provocation

Singh highlighted that India's expanding military capabilities are focused on deterrence and stability, rather than confrontation.

“Our defence capabilities are like a credible deterrence, to maintain peace and tranquillity. Peace is possible only when we remain strong,” he said.

He also emphasized India's broader national vision. “The day is not far when India will not only emerge as a developed country, but our military power will also emerge as the number one in the world,” Singh declared.

Export Targets Increase with Domestic Push

India's defence exports, which have seen consistent growth over the past decade, are poised for a significant surge. The government projects these exports to hit ₹30,000 crore by 2025 and rise to ₹50,000 crore by 2029.

“Our defence exports should reach ₹30,000 crore this year and ₹50,000 crore by the year 2029,” Singh said.

The goal is to enhance India’s position in global defence supply chains by emphasizing flexibility, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Revitalizing from Within

Singh highlighted that a significant aspect of India’s military reform was the transformation of the Ordnance Factory Board, one of the oldest institutions in Indian defense.

“Today Ordnance Factories are performing very well in their new form and have become profit-making units. I believe that changing a structure that is more than two hundred years old is a very big reform of this century,” he said.

This bold restructuring was a necessary move, aimed at bringing efficiency, transparency, and profitability to a legacy system that had long been viewed as slow and outdated.

Indigenisation Lists: Shaping the Future

Singh highlighted a significant initiative by the Defence Ministry—the issuance of five positive indigenisation lists by both the Armed Forces and the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). These lists specify items that are now required to be manufactured domestically within a set phased timeline.

“The total number of defence equipment, weapon systems and platforms included in the list of the services is 509. These will now be produced in India,” he said.

“Similarly, the total number of items included in the DPSU lists is 5,012 including strategically important Line replacement units, sub-systems, spares and components,” Singh added.

This initiative underscores the government's continued dedication to the 'Make in India' campaign, particularly in critical sectors such as defence.

Three-Quarters of Budget Allocated to Indian Firms

In a major policy change, the government has allocated 75% of the defence capital procurement budget exclusively for domestic companies.

This initiative aims to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturers and safeguard India's strategic interests amid unpredictable global supply chain dynamics.

“Today, while India's defence sector is moving ahead on the path of self-reliance, it is also ready to play a very important role in making global supply chains resilient,” Singh said.

Confronting the Future: The Evolving Nature of War

Singh cautioned about the changing face of warfare, predicting it will grow increasingly violent, unpredictable, and multi-faceted in the years ahead. He highlighted the rapid emergence of cyber and space as critical new domains of conflict. Additionally, he noted that nations are locked in an ongoing battle of narratives and perceptions, adding further complexity to the modern warfare landscape.

To address these evolving threats, Singh emphasized that the government is pursuing a comprehensive strategy focused on holistic capacity enhancement and continuous reform.

Strategic Shift Under the Modi Government

Singh attributed the renewed emphasis on India’s defence sector to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

He noted that under Modi’s guidance, there has been a significant shift in perspective—from seeing India as a passive buyer to recognizing it as an active producer.

"The revival and strengthening of the defence sector is one of the biggest priorities for the government,” Singh said. “The government's first and foremost challenge was to change the mindset that India would simply import to meet its defence needs.”

The outcome is a revitalized and reimagined defense sector, focused on safeguarding national security while promoting global peace.

(This Article was originally published by MSN)