Indigenous defence capabilities power India’s military strength: Sanjay Seth
New Delhi: Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Tuesday highlighted the growing strength of India’s indigenous defence ecosystem, stating that the country’s military capability is increasingly being built through domestic industry and innovation.
Addressing the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, Seth said, “India’s military might is forged in the factories of our defence industries,” while crediting the success of Operation Sindoor to the courage of the armed forces and the effectiveness of indigenously developed weapons and systems.
He emphasised that start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are playing a crucial role in shaping India’s future defence landscape. Describing them as the “Vishwakarmas of our age,” Seth said these sectors are key drivers in achieving the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Minister noted that the use of Made-in-India equipment during Operation Sindoor demonstrated the country’s growing self-reliance in defence production. He added that record defence production and export figures reflect the emergence of a “New India” committed to strengthening its own capabilities to safeguard national interests.
Highlighting the rapidly evolving nature of technology, Seth urged industry stakeholders to remain ahead of the curve through continuous innovation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the defence sector and acknowledged the transformative role of initiatives such as the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor in boosting indigenous manufacturing.
The symposium, organised by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), is being held under the theme “Raksha Triveni Sangam – Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge.” The three-day event was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 4.
Senior military officials, including Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta and Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of collaboration between the armed forces and industry to develop future-ready capabilities in emerging domains.
The event features participation from 284 companies showcasing advanced defence technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles, counter-drone systems, surveillance equipment and all-terrain vehicles, reflecting India’s push towards technological self-reliance in defence.
(DD News)
