Self-reliance in defence is not merely an economic objective but a necessity for achieving long-term strategic autonomy, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Saturday (January 10, 2026).
“India is at a decisive moment in its defence and industrial journey, where self-reliance has emerged as a national imperative,” Mr. Singh said at the inauguration of the Defence Skilling Conclave on Defence, Aerospace and Strategic Sector Skill Development in Chandigarh.
“Guided by the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the sector has moved from import dependence to a vibrant ecosystem comprising defence public sector undertakings, private industry, MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), and start-ups,” he said, referring to the transformation of India’s defence industrial ecosystem over the past decade.
Indigenous platforms, including the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the Astra beyond visual range missile, Dhanush artillery guns, and INS Vikrant are shining examples of the growing synergy among the industry, research, and skilled manpower, the senior official said. “Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence is not merely an economic objective, but a necessity aimed at achieving long-term strategic autonomy. Evolving global supply chains and rapidly advancing technologies present both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for India’s defence sector,” he said.
