Defence Ministry Announces Self‑Reliable Military Modernisation Plan

Rajnath Singh outlined a vision for a self‑reliant defence ecosystem. He said India is shifting from import dependence to building everything from small‑scale needs to sophisticated systems within the country.

The minister announced that procurement now follows strict transparency and accountability, with 75% of the modernisation budget earmarked for Indian industry. Over 16,000 MSMEs, thousands of suppliers, and a network of innovation hubs are contributing to a robust domestic supply chain.

Singh emphasized that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has evolved into a national innovation platform, linking academia, startups, and established firms. Recent approvals include purchases worth more than Rs 2,400 crore from startups and R&D projects exceeding Rs 1,500 crore, accelerating the pace of indigenous defence production.