New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian government prioritises the modernisation of its armed forces, emphasising a self-reliant and future-ready defence sector. Speaking on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Singh highlighted the significant transformation in the defence sector over the past decade, attributing it to initiatives like ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make-in-India’. He asserted that India is now capable of meeting its security needs while also emerging as a global defence manufacturing hub and a net exporter of defence products.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Singh revealed that domestic defence production has seen a substantial increase, rising from approximately ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year 2025-26. This near four-fold surge demonstrates significant structural changes within the sector. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and other public sector entities accounted for about 76% of the total production, with the private sector contributing 24%, an increase from the previous fiscal year, indicating an improving business environment.
The Defence Minister further noted the remarkable growth in defence exports, which escalated from a modest ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, representing an increase of over 5,500%. He described this achievement as a clear manifestation of India’s self-reliance in defence. India currently boasts 145 defence exporters, with products supplied to over 80 countries, and the minister expressed confidence in reaching a defence export target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
Singh also pointed to a substantial rise in the defence budget, from ₹2.53 lakh crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹7.85 lakh crore in FY 2026-27, underscoring India’s commitment to advanced defence technologies. Capital expenditure has grown from ₹94,588 crore to ₹2.19 lakh crore. The allocation for Research & Development has also seen a significant boost, increasing by 90% from ₹15,283 crore in FY 2014-15 to ₹29,100 crore in FY 2026-27.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Defence Acquisition Council has approved projects worth over ₹8.75 lakh crore in the past year, reflecting the government’s emphasis on defence modernisation. Fundamental reforms in defence procurement have been implemented to expedite this process. These include a doubling of the financial ceiling for Field Commanders to enhance operational efficiency and facilitating procurement exceeding ₹1.25 lakh crore through the revenue route to promote indigenisation.
Singh acknowledged the active involvement of the defence forces in the pursuit of self-reliance, noting that indigenous warships, aircraft, and advanced military systems are augmenting national defence capabilities. He highlighted the efforts of DRDO and the defence forces in positioning India at the forefront of future warfare technologies. Specific advancements mentioned include the successful test of the first Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation system, which can convert conventional weapons into precision-guided munitions. The testing of the Advanced Agni Missile with MIRV technology has enhanced strategic deterrence, while successful trials of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-SR, and Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket have significantly strengthened the nation’s strike capabilities.
The Defence Minister also reported the successful testing of an Active Cooled Full-Scale Scramjet Combustor for over 1,200 seconds, placing India among a select group of nations capable of developing hypersonic missile technology. Furthermore, the indigenous Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile’s first successful test has bolstered the nation’s air defence capabilities.
Singh reiterated the government’s focus on border area development to enhance defence preparedness and connectivity. He commended the defence forces for their role as ‘first responders’ in relief and rescue operations during natural disasters, both domestically and internationally.
Addressing the welfare of defence personnel, Singh detailed significant increases in the budget for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, which has seen a 300% rise in the past five years. Enhancements have also been made to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, including a doubling of the Penury Grant from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000, an increase in the Education Grant from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, and a doubling of the Marriage Grant from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000.
The government’s commitment to increasing opportunities for women in the defence forces and leveraging ‘Nari Shakti’ in national security was also emphasised. Singh noted the historic commissioning of the first batch of female cadets from the National Defence Academy as officers and highlighted the ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition as a symbol of ‘New India’.
Concluding his address, Singh invoked the legacy of India’s freedom fighters and stressed the responsibility of the Defence Forces in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. He acknowledged the courage and dedication of soldiers as a source of inspiration for all Indians, expressing the nation’s indebtedness for their service and sacrifice. He also noted the special significance of this Independence Day as 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’, urging citizens to celebrate with enthusiasm and contribute to nation-building and ‘Viksit Bharat’.
The Chenab Times News Desk