Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has publicly commended the scientists and technical personnel of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for their pivotal role in the successful execution of Operation Sindoor. Addressing the awardees of DRDO's Best Performing Scientists and Technical Persons, who were special guests at the 77th Republic Day Parade, Singh emphasized that this operation stands as concrete evidence that India's indigenous defence systems are significantly enhancing the nation's operational preparedness and strategic autonomy.
Indigenous Success on the Battlefield
In his speech, the Defence Minister detailed how DRDO-developed technologies were effectively deployed during Operation Sindoor, showcasing their reliability and potency in real-world combat scenarios. He stated that these indigenous innovations are central to the ongoing and profound transformation within India's defence sector, which is increasingly focusing on indigenisation and reducing foreign dependency.
A National Mindset of Self-Reliance
Rajnath Singh attributed the growing culture of self-reliance in defence to a national mindset fostered under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He praised the DRDO for being at the forefront of this movement, strengthening India's defence capabilities from within. The minister stressed that this shift is not merely a policy but a fundamental change in approach towards securing the nation's future.
The Imperative for Speed and Innovation
Highlighting the rapid pace of technological advancement in modern warfare, Singh urged the scientific community to innovate with greater speed and embrace calculated risks. He remarked that contemporary conflicts demand the "survival of the fastest," underscoring the need to drastically reduce the time lag between research, development, and the actual deployment of systems in the field. Furthermore, he called for enhanced coordination and synergy between DRDO and the private defence industry to streamline this process.
Ambitious Targets for Defence Exports
Pointing to India's remarkable growth in defence exports, the Defence Minister provided compelling data to illustrate the progress. He noted that exports have surged from less than Rs 1,000 crore in 2014 to nearly Rs 24,000 crore at present. Building on this momentum, Rajnath Singh set an ambitious target for the nation: to achieve defence exports worth Rs 50,000 crore by the financial year 2029-30. This goal underscores the government's commitment to positioning India as a major global player in the defence manufacturing and export arena.
The minister's address served as both a recognition of past achievements and a clarion call for the future, reinforcing the government's unwavering focus on achieving Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence through continuous innovation, strategic indigenisation, and robust industry collaboration.
