- MoS for Defence hails indigenous weapons as backbone of Operation Sindoor success
- Start-ups and MSMEs described as “Vishwakarmas of the new era” driving Viksit Bharat 2047 vision
- India’s defence production surge and rising exports reflect a self-reliant, future-ready military ecosystem
- Industry urged to stay ahead of tech curve amid global uncertainty and rapidly evolving warfare systems
- North Tech Symposium showcases 284 stalls, UAVs, drones and next-gen battlefield technologies
E DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MAY 5
India’s military strength is increasingly being shaped within domestic factories and innovation hubs, said Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, highlighting the decisive role of indigenous defence production in modern warfare success.
Addressing the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, he said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the effectiveness of Made-in-India weapons systems, backed by the courage and operational excellence of the armed forces.
“India’s military might is forged in the factories of our defence industries,” the Minister said, adding that the success of Operation Sindoor reflected the synergy between the government, defence public sector units, private industry, innovators, start-ups, and MSMEs.
He said MSMEs are the backbone of the economy, while start-ups are emerging as “brand ambassadors of India’s technological confidence.”
“Our start-ups and MSMEs are the driving force for future growth and will play a pivotal role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. They are the Vishwakarmas of our age,” he said.
Indigenous Power Driving Defence Transformation
The Minister commended the armed forces for neutralising hostile threats and dismantling terror networks during Operation Sindoor, stressing that the use of indigenous systems reflects India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
He said rising defence production and exports are clear indicators of “New India’s capability-driven approach”, asserting that the country is now focused on strengthening its own systems rather than dependence on external sources.
“This New India does not cast an evil eye on anyone, nor does it look the other way if someone tries to threaten its sovereignty,” he added.
Tech Evolution and Industry Push
Warning that military technology evolves rapidly, the Minister urged industry stakeholders to continuously innovate and remain ahead of the global technology curve.
He highlighted government initiatives such as the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, stating that it is playing a transformative role in building a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Innovation, he stressed, is a continuous process, and the government remains fully committed to supporting industry-led advancements in defence technologies.
Call for Future-Ready Armed Forces
Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta urged industry partners to collaborate closely with the armed forces to meet emerging operational requirements.
“Self-reliance will lead to strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty and operational tailoring,” he said.
Defence Tech Showcase
The three-day North Tech Symposium 2026, organised by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands in collaboration with SIDM, features 284 stalls showcasing advanced defence technologies, including UAVs, drones, counter-UAV systems, all-terrain vehicles, and surveillance equipment.
The event, inaugurated earlier by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has drawn participation from top military leadership, industry leaders, innovators, start-ups, and academia.
