Defence Minister Rajnath Singh articulated India's transformed national security approach at a Defence Conclave in New Delhi on October 15, 2026, highlighting a decisive shift from diplomatic condemnation to proactive military action against terrorism. He specifically referenced Operation Sindoor, Balakot Airstrikes, and Surgical Strikes as demonstrations of this new policy, warning that any terror act originating from Pakistan would invite an even stronger response. Singh emphasized that while India remains committed to peace, this should not be mistaken for weakness, noting that since 2014, the 'shelf life' of most terrorists had fallen to less than a year due to security forces' effectiveness.
The Minister addressed evolving security threats, identifying the '5D Security Threat' encompassing Disinformation, Destabilisation, Disruption, Deception and Destruction. He highlighted emerging challenges including 'lone-wolf' attacks and 'white-collar terrorism', citing the recent incident involving a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash a passenger aircraft and Captain Smit Machhar who averted the attack. Singh stressed that combating these threats requires both security agency capabilities and active citizen participation.
On defence preparedness, Singh called for a 'smart power' approach integrating precision-guided weapons with cost-effective weaponry, human intelligence with artificial intelligence, and advanced systems with adaptable technologies. He attributed India's growing defence confidence to reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, noting the government has shifted focus from meeting immediate requirements to building an Aatmanirbhar defence ecosystem.
Significant defence production growth was reported, with production rising to over ₹1.78 lakh crore from ₹40,000 crore in 2014, and defence exports reaching an all-time high of ₹39,000 crore from ₹686 crore in 2013-14. India now exports defence products to nearly 100 countries. The government targets defence production of ₹2 lakh crore this year and ₹3 lakh crore by 2029, with export goals of ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
Procurement reforms prioritize domestic industries through Defence Acquisition Procedure and 'Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured' category, with 75% of the modernization budget earmarked for Indian procurement. The defence forces have issued five positive indigenisation lists covering 509 items, with a sixth list prepared for release. Defence Public Sector Undertakings identified 5,012 items for indigenisation, of which 3,255 have been successfully indigenized, including Line Replacement Units, sub-systems, spares and components.
Export procedures were simplified through Defence EXIM Portal, online approvals, Open General Export License, streamlined quality certification and 'Green Channel' policy. Research and innovation initiatives like iDEX, iDEX Prime and ADITI scheme have engaged 676 start-ups and innovators, resulting in 551 contracts signed. The defence startup ecosystem grew from few dozen in 2018 to over 2,000 enterprises working across drones, AI, quantum technology, cybersecurity and robotics. The Ministry has approved procurement worth over ₹2,400 crore from start-ups and MSMEs and sanctioned projects exceeding ₹1,500 crore for new technology development.
Ammunition manufacturing achieved 90% self-reliance with 159 of 175 variants now indigenously produced. India became the fourth country to establish national standards for bulletproof jackets aligned with international norms, exporting them to over 100 countries. Additional reforms included corporatisation of OFB transforming loss-making entities into profitable enterprises, implementation of One Rank One Pension scheme, and creation of the Chief of Defence Staff post.