During the recent Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Annual Session-2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of India’s indigenous defense platforms, celebrating their significant role in enhancing the nation’s reputation both regionally and internationally, particularly demonstrated during Operation Sindoor. He praised the Akash missile system and other indigenous technologies for their effective performance, highlighting that the success of such operations is attributed not only to the armed forces but also to the “industry warriors” behind innovation and manufacturing. In light of recent military engagements with Pakistan, Singh reiterated the need for India to maintain readiness for potential conflict, asserting that the evolving global landscape necessitates a renewed focus on indigenisation as a key element of national security strategy. He noted that India was previously reliant on imports for its defense needs, but the country’s defense production has surged from approximately ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a projected ₹1.51 lakh crore, with significant contributions from the private sector. The Defence Minister urged the industry to develop comprehensive supply chains and focus on manufacturing subsystems domestically to minimize dependence on foreign components, promoting the spirit of “Made in India, Made for the World.” This concerted push towards self-sufficiency is seen as critical for strengthening India’s defense capabilities and fostering a resilient domestic ecosystem amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties.