India is poised to enter a “golden era of defence innovation,” according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who spoke at the Swavlamban 2025 seminar hosted by the Indian Navy. He emphasized the need for India to transition from a reactive to a proactive stance in the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, urging the private sector to adopt a “profit-plus” approach that balances economic growth with national interests. Singh highlighted the necessity of reducing dependency on foreign nations for defence equipment, asserting that a robust indigenous supply chain will not only mitigate long-term financial burdens associated with imports but also enhance national security and strategic autonomy. The seminar showcased innovations from over 80 MSMEs and startups, reflecting an integrated approach across the armed forces, and included the launch of initiatives like the SARATHI app for armament management and Innovathon, a hackathon to tackle maritime challenges. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Indian Navy, IIT Madras, and Apollo Micro Systems to foster indigenous armament development. The discussions and exhibitions underscored the commitment to indigenisation and the collaborative efforts needed to advance India’s defence capabilities, aligning with the country’s vision of becoming a self-reliant maritime power.