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<\/p>\nNew Delhi, Delhi, 7th of October, 2025 : \u201cThe battlefield has changed. The wars of tomorrow will be fought with algorithms, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. Drones, anti-drone systems, quantum computing and directed-energy weapons will define the future. We have seen such a demo in Operation Sindoor as well,\u201d stated Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during \u2018Raksha Navachar Samvaad: Interaction with iDEX Startups\u2019, prior to the inauguration of the National Conference at Vigyan Bhawan on October 07, 2025. He urged innovators to think beyond existing solutions and develop technologies that redefine warfare. \u201cWe must not remain imitators or followers in technology we must become the creators and standard-setters for the world,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
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Highlighting the measurable progress in indigenisation, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that defence capital acquisitions from domestic sources have increased from Rs. 74,000 crore in 2021-22 to Rs. 1.2 lakh crore in 2024-25. He termed this shift as \u201cnot merely a statistical change but a change in mindset from dependence to confidence.\u201d He also highlighted that under the Government\u2019s Public Procurement Policy, at least 25% of annual procurement is reserved for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), and over 350 items have been earmarked exclusively for them. \u201cIndia\u2019s self-reliance in defence has moved from being a slogan to becoming a movement. From policy to practice and from innovation to impact this transformation has been made possible by our innovators, startups, and young entrepreneurs,\u201d underscored Raksha Mantri.<\/p>\n
Shri Rajnath Singh encouraged startups to set higher benchmarks, underlining that India has more than 100 Unicorns today, but none in the defence sector, calling upon them to change that. \u201cLet the first Defence Unicorn of India emerge from among you. It will be a matter of pride not only for you but for the entire nation,\u201d he added. He reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that the government will continue to stand firmly behind innovators and startups and will be with them at every step from ideation to implementation.<\/p>\n
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Raksha Mantri lauded the collective effort of innovators for contributing to record-breaking achievements in defence production worth Rs. 1.5 lakh crore and exports exceeding Rs. 23,000 crore in the last financial year. \u201cYou are the architects of a new India that believes in designing, developing and producing for itself. The energy and innovation you bring are key to realising the Prime Minister\u2019s vision of a technologically self-reliant India,\u201d he highlighted.<\/p>\n
Recalling the inception of iDEX in 2018, Shri Rajnath Singh described it as a transformational initiative that has democratised defence innovation in India. He stated that when iDEX was launched, the idea was simple yet powerful to connect the talent of India\u2019s youth with the technological needs of the Armed Forces. \u201cToday, in just seven years, more than 650 iDEX winners have emerged, and prototype procurements worth over Rs. 3,000 crore have been ensured. This marks a revolution in India\u2019s defence innovation landscape,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Raksha Mantri highlighted that before iDEX, Indian talent was making remarkable contributions globally particularly in IT, telecom and space but was underutilised in defence. \u201cThrough iDEX, we ensured that India\u2019s talent works for India\u2019s security. Today, this initiative is not just a programme but a movement that is shaping the future of Indian defence manufacturing,\u201d he underlined.<\/p>\n
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Shri Rajnath Singh underscored that the Government has taken several landmark steps to support startups and MSMEs through reforms in defence procurement, production and testing infrastructure. Citing examples, he stated that the new Defence Procurement Manual (DPM-2025) provides assured orders for five years, extendable by another five, giving innovators much-needed stability and predictability. He further added that reforms in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) are underway to simplify processes, accelerate trials, and ensure assured procurement for innovative solutions.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cThrough iDEX, Technology Development Fund, Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme and Self-Certification provisions, we are developing a comprehensive framework where innovation is encouraged, supported, and scaled. Our aim is to make India not just a defence manufacturer but a defence innovator for the world,\u201d underlining Shri Rajnath Singh while ensuring commitment to strengthening the defence innovation ecosystem.<\/p>\n
Commending the achievements of iDEX winners such as Refi M. Fiber and Gravity Systems, who were honoured for their role in Operation Sindoor, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the innovations developed by Indian startups are now earning global appreciation. \u201cIt is a matter of great pride when our soldiers salute the innovation born out of India\u2019s own soil. Several Indian startups are now showcasing their game-changing technologies at international platforms such as the Dubai Airshow 2025. The world is taking note of India\u2019s innovation prowess,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The Raksha Mantri highlighted that the MoD is forging strategic alliances with the Department of Science & Technology, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, and leading financial institutions to facilitate end-to-end support for startups. \u201cOur objective is to build an ecosystem where every idea gets the opportunity to grow into a viable product, every prototype gets the chance to scale into production, and every innovation contributes to India\u2019s defence preparedness,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that defence manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat has now become one of the most promising sectors for private investment, R&D and employment generation. He underscored that a strong indigenous defence industry is not only a strategic necessity but an economic multiplier.<\/p>\n
Raksha Mantri stated that the defence innovation journey of India is moving steadily from concept to creation and from vision to victory. He underlined the fact that the nation together will make India not only self-reliant but a global leader in defence technology. He also reaffirmed that India\u2019s defence startup ecosystem will play a decisive role in shaping the nation\u2019s secure and self-reliant future.<\/p>\n
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The event organised by iDEX under the aegis of Department of Defence Production (DDP), MoD also featured an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge defence innovations developed under iDEX and ADITI, where the Raksha Mantri interacted with the innovators and appreciated their technological breakthroughs. Panel discussions and experience-sharing sessions were held on themes including Scaling Defence Startups, Bridging Innovation and Production, and Accelerating Aatmanirbharta through R&D Collaboration.<\/p>\n
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Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Secretary of the DDR&D & Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar along with senior officials from the MoD, DDP, innovators, startups, MSMEs, industry leaders, Armed Forces representatives and officials from various defence PSUs were also present on the occasion.<\/p>\n
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