NEW DELHI, MAR 19: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today urged India to build a rock-solid drone manufacturing ecosystem, drawing sharp lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war and raging Iran-Israel conflict where unmanned tech has reshaped battlefields. Speaking at the National Defence Industries Conclave in New Delhi, surrounded by top defence firm execs and public sector bosses, he stressed that drones and counter-drone systems are no longer optional—they’re central to future warfare, demanding full strategic autonomy.
“Everyone’s eyes are on those conflicts, and it’s crystal clear: drones dominate modern fights,” Singh said, pushing for homegrown mastery from molds and software to engines and batteries. He warned against import traps, noting most global drone parts funnel from one dominant nation, making true self-reliance tough but essential for India’s security playbook.
Singh spotlighted exploding roles for AI, robotics, automation, and simulation tech revolutionizing global manufacturing—India can’t lag. “We need innovation at every level, not just products but components too,” he added, calling on industry to sharpen quality and shun foreign crutches that hobble readiness.
This comes amid India’s defence startup boom, like the fresh Defence India Startup Challenge launch, as the nation eyes 100% atmanirbharta to counter threats from neighbors and beyond. Singh’s vision ties straight into PM Modi’s calls for global power sector cash, painting a high-tech shield for a rising India amid worldwide chaos.
