Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, while addressing a press conference in New delhi today said that India’s journey towards Atmanirbharta in defence has been decisively shaped by the visionary and resolute leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whose clear articulation that national security, economic strength and technological sovereignty are deeply interconnected has transformed defence manufacturing from a strategic necessity into a national mission.

The Minister said that the country has moved with confidence from being a major importer of defence equipment to a nation that designs, develops, manufactures and increasingly exports advanced defence systems, firmly positioning defence self-reliance as a cornerstone of India’s rise as a strong, secure and self-assured global power.

He added that the defence sector has undergone a structural transformation from import dependence to indigenous capability, anchored in the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India – Make for the World. In recognition of the momentum achieved, 2025 has been declared the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Ministry of Defence, marking accelerated progress in defence indigenisation alongside enhanced operational preparedness of the Armed Forces.

Shri Naik noted that defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, rising from ₹46,429 crore in 2014–15, demonstrating the scale, depth and maturity of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing base. Defence exports surged to a record ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25, compared to less than ₹1,000 crore in 2014, underscoring India’s emergence as a credible and competitive global defence supplier. India has supplied a wide spectrum of defence products—including ammunition, arms, sub-systems, complete systems and critical components—to around 80 countries, reaffirming its role as a reliable partner in the global defence supply chain.

He further said that the private sector’s contribution has risen to nearly 23% of total defence production, reflecting growing competitiveness, innovation and confidence of Indian industry, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings continue to play a critical role, accounting for about 77% of total defence production within a more accountable and performance-oriented framework. Five Positive Indigenisation Lists, covering over 5,500 items, have been notified, with more than 3,000 items already indigenised, decisively reducing import dependence and strengthening domestic capability.

The Minister observed that indigenous platforms such as LCA Tejas, LCH Prachand, ATAGS, Akash missile systems, radars, corvettes, armoured vehicles and drones are significantly enhancing the operational readiness and combat capability of the Armed Forces. Operation Sindoor, executed on the strength of indigenous equipment and systems, marked a milestone in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance in drone warfare, layered air defence and electronic warfare, clearly demonstrating the operational relevance of Atmanirbharta.

Shri Naik said that Mission Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Prime Minister Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025, aims at neutralising enemy defence infiltrations and strengthening India’s offensive and protective capabilities. Inspired by the legendary Sudarshan Chakra of Shri Krishna, the mission symbolises speed, precision and decisive power, underscoring India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and rapid, effective response. Under this mission, an expanded nationwide security shield is envisaged, with enhanced protection of public spaces and critical areas by 2035, reflecting a long-term, self-reliant approach to national security.

He informed that defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have together attracted investments of over ₹9,145 crore, with 289 MoUs signed, unlocking ₹66,423 crore in potential opportunities. The Defence Procurement Manual 2025, launched in October 2025, simplifies revenue procurement of goods and services worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore, enhancing transparency, uniformity and participation of domestic industry. A comprehensive review of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 has also been initiated to align procurement with national priorities, promote indigenous design and facilitate technology infusion.

Talking about allocation in the Union Budget 2025–26, he informed that ₹6.81 lakh crore has been allotted to the Ministry of Defence. This includes ₹1.80 lakh crore allocated for capital outlay, with 75% of the modernisation budget earmarked for domestic procurement, providing strong and sustained demand for Indian manufacturers. Innovations for Defence Excellence has emerged as a key enabler of defence innovation by integrating start-ups, MSMEs and academia into the defence ecosystem, while DRDO continues to drive innovation, supported by a ₹500 crore corpus under the Technology Development Fund and 15 Defence Industry–Academia Centres of Excellence. The restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board into seven DPSUs has further enhanced autonomy, efficiency and export orientation of legacy defence manufacturing.

With over 16,000 MSMEs now part of the defence ecosystem, Atmanirbharta has become a broad-based national endeavour. The Government has set a clear vision of achieving ₹3 lakh crore defence production and ₹50,000 crore defence exports by 2029, positioning India as a global defence manufacturing hub.

While concluding, the Minister said that Atmanirbharta in defence today is not an aspiration; it is a measurable and credible reality, reflected in rising production, expanding exports and proven operational capability. As India advances towards becoming a global defence manufacturing hub, this journey will continue to strengthen the Armed Forces, empower Indian industry and reinforce India’s position as a confident, capable and reliable partner in the global security architecture.

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NR/AP

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