Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, India’s push for self-reliance in defence is critical for the country’s sovereignty

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stressed that self-reliance in defence is not merely an option, but a condition for survival and progress. He said the government believes that self-reliant India can safeguard its strategic autonomy. The Minister said this while speaking during a Defence Conclave in New Delhi yesterday.
 
Highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor, Mr. Singh said, this Operation is a shining example of the country’s growing indigenous defence capabilities.
 
He said that the precise strikes carried out by the armed forces on Pakistani targets using indigenous equipment demonstrated that no mission can be successful without vision, long preparation and coordination.
 
He said, Operation Sindoor may appear to be a story of a war of a few days, and India’s victory over Pakistan, but years of strategic preparation and defense preparedness have played a long role behind it.  He underscored that the country’s forces’ hard work and reliance on indigenous equipment, executed the operation effectively and decisively.
 
Describing Sudarshan Chakra Mission as a game-changer for the country’s future security, the Minister said, the mission is aimed at providing complete aerial protection to critical locations across the country, using both defensive and offensive technologies. He underlined that Operation Sindoor has highlighted the importance of air defence in modern warfare.
 
The Minister said, DRDO successfully tested an indigenous integrated air defence weapon system in this month, marking the first step towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision. He announced that the government has taken up the challenge of developing and manufacturing a powerful indigenous aero-engine.
 
He said, all the country’s warships are now being built in India and the recent commissioning of stealth frigates INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri, equipped with advanced weaponry and electronic warfare systems, reflects Indian Navy’s resolve towards Atmanirbharta.