Major General Neeraj Shukla, the Additional Director General for Strategic Planning of the Indian Army, emphasized the force’s commitment to self-reliance, technology integration, and advancements in the space domain during a recent interview. He highlighted the development of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), which aims to ensure autonomous communication capabilities across strategic maritime routes, thereby reducing dependency on foreign GPS systems. The Major General also discussed the ongoing “decade of transformation” initiative, aligned with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, which includes five key pillars: jointness and integration, system processes, technology infusion, human resource development, and organizational structuring. While outlining the evolving character of warfare from traditional methods to high-tech engagements requiring UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), he underscored the necessity for India to build an indigenized UAV ecosystem that ensures national security and technological sovereignty. This mission is highlighted by India’s increasing reliance on domestic firms for military contracts, with 90% of recent orders awarded to Indian companies, and the establishment of dedicated research and development infrastructures to foster innovation. The broader significance of these developments lies in India’s strategic shift toward self-reliance, crucial for maintaining defense autonomy amid global supply chain uncertainties, while also creating a robust indigenous defense industry capable of global competitiveness, showcasing India’s resolve to be a proactive player on the world stage in terms of national security and technological advancement.