Pune, October 16, 2025 – India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the importance of self-reliance in the defence sector during a visit to the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune on Thursday. Addressing members of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, Singh emphasized that achieving aatmanirbharta in defence is not only crucial for national security but also essential to foster a culture of innovation that can inspire future generations and position India as a global hub for defence technology.

“Self-reliance in defence is the strongest shield for national security,” Singh said, highlighting that dependence on imported technology often limits a country’s strategic autonomy. “Sometimes, countries do not share disruptive technologies due to protectionism. India has challenged these limitations. We have shown that with clear intent and robust policies, we can become self-reliant in any field,” he added. Singh’s remarks reflect India’s ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on foreign arms and defence technologies, aligning with the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at promoting indigenous capabilities across sectors.

During the visit, the committee members inspected several advanced weapon systems developed by the Armament & Combat Engineering Systems (ACE) cluster at ARDE. Key systems showcased included the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), the Pinaka rocket system, the light tank Zorawar, a wheeled armoured platform, and the Akash-New Generation (Akash-NG) missile system. Each of these platforms represents a significant step forward in India’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, combining cutting-edge technology with operational readiness for modern battlefields.

Officials also briefed the committee on emerging technologies under development at DRDO, which are expected to transform warfare in the coming decades. These include robotics for unmanned operations, rail guns capable of launching projectiles at extreme velocities, electromagnetic aircraft launch systems for naval platforms, and high-energy propulsion materials for missiles and aerospace applications. The inclusion of futuristic systems highlights DRDO’s role not just in meeting current defence requirements but in preparing India for the next generation of strategic challenges.

Singh lauded the collaborative ecosystem that has emerged in India between DRDO, public sector undertakings, private industry, start-ups, and academia. According to him, this network has been instrumental in fostering innovation, accelerating technology development, and reducing the country’s reliance on foreign imports. “Emerging technologies not only modernise the armed forces but also create new opportunities for the youth,” Singh noted, linking defence innovation to broader economic and employment benefits.

He further emphasized that India’s push towards indigenous defence production is about more than national security; it is about building a sustainable culture of research and development that can sustain technological leadership. “When we create an environment where innovation is encouraged, our young engineers and scientists will aspire to develop systems that rival global standards. This mindset is as important as the weapons themselves,” Singh said.

Singh’s visit to ARDE also served as a reminder that India cannot solely rely on imported technologies in a world where access to cutting-edge systems is often restricted. Historical examples have shown that strategic dependencies can pose risks, particularly during international crises. By investing in indigenous capabilities, India can secure critical defence technologies while simultaneously nurturing domestic talent capable of driving the country’s technological edge.

The focus on self-reliance in defence has gained momentum in recent years under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. DRDO, through its various laboratories, has undertaken several successful projects, from missiles and artillery systems to electronic warfare platforms and unmanned systems. The development of systems like ATAGS, Pinaka, and Akash-NG represents a culmination of decades of research, testing, and iterative design improvements, establishing India as a credible player in the global defence technology landscape.

Singh’s remarks also highlighted the broader implications of a self-reliant defence ecosystem. Indigenous development ensures that critical technologies remain under national control, reducing vulnerability to geopolitical pressures. At the same time, it opens avenues for exports, positioning India as a potential supplier of advanced defence systems to friendly nations, thereby strengthening diplomatic and strategic ties.

The minister stressed that technological self-reliance is not limited to hardware but extends to the knowledge base and human capital required to design, test, and maintain these systems. India’s investment in research and development, coupled with collaboration between government laboratories and private sector enterprises, is intended to cultivate a pipeline of skilled scientists and engineers capable of sustaining long-term innovation.

During the visit, Singh also interacted with scientists and engineers at ARDE, acknowledging their contributions to India’s defence capabilities. He encouraged the team to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation, particularly in areas such as autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and materials science. According to Singh, fostering a culture of experimentation and excellence is crucial for India to become a global leader in defence technology.

Singh concluded by reiterating the strategic importance of self-reliance in defence. In his words, “Achieving aatmanirbharta is not just about reducing imports or producing weapons domestically; it is about creating an ecosystem where innovation thrives, where young talent is inspired, and where India emerges as a global hub for defence technology. This is the strongest shield for our nation and the foundation of a secure and prosperous future.”

The visit to ARDE and the emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence underscore the Indian government’s commitment to transforming the country into a self-reliant defence powerhouse. With ongoing projects in artillery, missile systems, unmanned platforms, and emerging technologies, DRDO remains at the forefront of this endeavour, bridging the gap between research, development, and operational deployment.

By focusing on indigenous capabilities, India aims to ensure that its armed forces remain technologically equipped to address current and future challenges, while also creating an ecosystem that supports research, entrepreneurship, and skill development. The strategic vision outlined by Rajnath Singh reflects a holistic approach to national security, combining technological innovation, industrial participation, and human resource development as key pillars of defence self-reliance.