Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh emphasized that Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, directly translates to strategic autonomy for India, demonstrated during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. He highlighted the critical role of indigenous systems, which allowed decisive action without external dependencies, while acknowledging existing challenges such as extended timelines, integration issues, and reliance on imported high-end technologies. Singh advocated for a shift in the Indian defense industry from mere assembly to innovation and design sovereignty, asserting that comprehensive indigenous capabilities signal strength to potential adversaries. He concluded that achieving Atmanirbharta is essential not only for operational effectiveness but also for fostering innovation and enhancing deterrence in an unpredictable global landscape.