Pune, October 16, 2025 – India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, on Thursday highlighted the nation’s growing defence production capabilities and the ongoing push for self-reliance during the 6th convocation of Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) in Pune. Singh underscored Operation Sindoor as a landmark demonstration of India’s technological confidence and indigenous capabilities, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming self-reliant in defence technology.

Addressing students, faculty, and dignitaries, Singh revealed that India’s defence production has surged dramatically over the past decade. From ₹46,000 crore ten years ago, the country now produces defence equipment worth ₹1.5 lakh crore, with the private sector contributing approximately ₹33,000 crore of this output. Looking ahead, Singh said India aims to scale defence production capacity to ₹3 lakh crore by 2029, while targeting defence exports of ₹50,000 crore. These ambitious targets reflect the government’s strategy to position India as a global leader in defence innovation and manufacturing.

Singh described Operation Sindoor as a shining example of India’s progress in defence indigenisation. The operation, he explained, was notable for deploying a large portion of equipment that was entirely manufactured in India, showcasing the nation’s growing technological maturity. “For the first time, a significant amount of the mission’s equipment was made in India. This stands as a testament to the country’s ability to rely on its own capabilities for strategic defence operations,” he said. The minister’s remarks emphasize that indigenous production is not merely about cost efficiency but about strategic autonomy, ensuring that India is not dependent on foreign suppliers for critical defence technologies.

During his address, Singh also spoke about the evolving role of education and skill development in fostering innovation. He stressed that in an era defined by rapid technological change, skills are as important as theoretical knowledge. “Education must transcend theory. It should equip students to apply their learning in life, to become creators, not just job seekers,” he said. This philosophy underpins India’s broader approach to nurturing talent for the defence and aerospace sectors, ensuring that the next generation of engineers and scientists can contribute to the country’s self-reliance goals.

In line with this vision, Singh inaugurated the new School of Defence and Aerospace Technology at SSPU, which has been established to nurture talent and create a pipeline of skilled professionals for India’s defence innovation ecosystem. The school will focus on developing technical expertise in areas such as aerospace systems, advanced weaponry, robotics, electronics, and missile technology, reflecting the increasingly sophisticated nature of modern defence operations. “We have started working towards becoming aatma nirbhar (self-reliant) in the defence sector. The school will play a pivotal role in equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to India’s strategic capabilities,” Singh said.

The Defence Minister praised Pune as both a cultural and technological hub, highlighting its strategic importance in India’s security architecture. “Pune is rooted in tradition, yet progressive in technology. With defence establishments and the Southern Command here, the city is a key node in India’s security infrastructure,” Singh said. He noted that Pune’s concentration of defence research, production, and strategic institutions provides a fertile ground for collaboration between academia, industry, and defence establishments.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also lauded SSPU’s initiative to launch the defence-aerospace school. He emphasized Maharashtra’s ambition to become a national centre for defence technology and innovation, encouraging investments and partnerships to strengthen the state’s defence ecosystem. “We will continue drawing defence investment and nurturing talent to make Maharashtra a hub of technology and security,” he said.

Singh’s remarks reflect India’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat strategy in defence, which emphasizes indigenisation, innovation, and reducing reliance on foreign technology. Over the past decade, India has made notable strides in this regard, producing indigenous artillery systems, missile platforms, armoured vehicles, and advanced naval systems. The government’s push for private sector participation has accelerated production capabilities, diversified supply chains, and fostered a culture of technological entrepreneurship.

The minister highlighted that defence self-reliance is not only a matter of strategic necessity but also a driver of economic growth. Indigenous production generates employment, promotes high-tech manufacturing, and stimulates innovation across multiple sectors. By investing in domestic capabilities, India can safeguard its interests, meet operational requirements more efficiently, and establish itself as a credible exporter of defence technologies.

Operation Sindoor, in particular, symbolizes a strategic turning point. The mission demonstrated that India could deploy complex operations with locally manufactured equipment, signaling the maturity of domestic defence manufacturing and the operational readiness of homegrown technologies. Singh asserted that such successes strengthen the country’s global standing and inspire confidence among policymakers, engineers, and young innovators.

In addition to production and operational capabilities, Singh stressed the importance of fostering a culture of research, experimentation, and innovation among India’s youth. By bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills, initiatives like the School of Defence and Aerospace Technology aim to create professionals capable of designing next-generation systems in artillery, aerospace, and missile domains. “When our students learn to create rather than merely consume knowledge, they become part of the innovation ecosystem that will shape India’s strategic future,” Singh said.

The Defence Minister also highlighted India’s achievements in collaborative efforts with public sector units, private companies, start-ups, and academic institutions. He pointed out that these collaborations have helped accelerate the development of critical technologies, ranging from artillery guns like ATAGS to missile systems such as Pinaka and Akash-NG. The partnerships have created a strong innovation ecosystem, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of defence research and technology development.

Singh concluded by reiterating that indigenisation and self-reliance in defence are not merely operational priorities but a national vision. “Our goal is to ensure that India can defend its interests independently, inspire innovation among future generations, and emerge as a global leader in defence technology. Operation Sindoor demonstrates what is possible when we combine skill, vision, and commitment to self-reliance,” he said.

In summary, Rajnath Singh’s address at SSPU highlights India’s remarkable progress in defence production, the growing role of private sector participation, and the importance of nurturing talent for a self-reliant future. By showcasing Operation Sindoor as a case study, Singh reinforced the message that indigenisation, technological innovation, and strategic autonomy are at the core of India’s evolving defence landscape. The establishment of specialized educational institutions, like the new defence and aerospace school, ensures that India continues to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and innovation capacity necessary to support these national objectives.