Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Monday that India must always be primed for a “war-like situation.” He made this declaration following the recent four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May, underscoring that threats can emerge suddenly along the borders.
While addressing an event in New Delhi, Singh noted that India delivered a “firm response” during Operation Sindoor. He urged that this incident should serve as a crucial case study to inform the nation’s future security strategies.
“Although we responded firmly and our forces are fully prepared to defend the country’s borders, we must continue to introspect,” Singh declared. “Operation Sindoor should serve as a case study from which we can learn and shape our future course. It has illustrated that anything can happen at our borders, anywhere, anytime.”
Singh emphasized the significance of self-reliance, highlighting that India’s indigenously developed weapons systems, including the Akash missile, BrahMos, and the Akashteer air defence control system, played pivotal roles in the operation, enhancing India’s global reputation.
“We need to be ready for a war-like situation, and our preparedness must rely on our own foundation,” he asserted. He stressed that indigenization represents the only sustainable strategy to address emerging global uncertainties.
The Defence Minister further comprehensive aim towards cultivating a level-playing field for defence manufacturing within India. “We are committed to ensuring that defence equipment is not merely assembled in India but genuinely manufactured here, embodying the spirit of ‘Made in India, Made for the World’,” he stated confidently.
Singh also noted the impressive growth of India’s defence production, which has surged from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a remarkable ₹1.51 lakh crore today, with the private sector contributing ₹33,000 crore. He pointed out that defence exports have sharply increased to nearly ₹24,000 crore and are projected to hit ₹30,000 crore by March 2026.
This growth in defence manufacturing marks a significant shift toward a self-sufficient and resilient military-industrial base, a strategy aimed at positioning India as a key player in global defence production.