NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India must remain prepared for a “war-like situation” at all times, citing the four-day conflict with Pakistan in May as a reminder that “anything can happen anytime” along the borders.
Speaking at the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Annual Session 2025, Singh said Operation Sindoor (May 7–10) should serve as a case study for strengthening national security preparedness.
“Operation Sindoor should serve as a case study from which we can learn and chart our future course. This incident has once again shown us that anything can happen at our borders, anywhere, at any time”, he said.
Singh also suggested that Operation Sindoor created a situation where war was "knocking at our doorstep."
“Although we gave a firm response with a firm resolve and our forces are fully prepared to defend the country’s borders, we must continue to introspect,” he said, as quoted by PTI.
He said the operation underscored the effectiveness of India’s indigenously developed defence systems. “We all witnessed how the Akash missile system, BrahMos, AkashTeer Air Defence Control System, and other indigenous platforms demonstrated their prowess during Operation Sindoor,” the minister said, as per news agency ANI.
Singh said the success of the operation was due not only to the armed forces but also to “industry warriors” involved in innovation, design, and manufacturing. He called the Indian industry “one of the most important pillars of defence alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force.”
Highlighting the government’s focus on indigenisation, Singh said India’s defence production has risen from around Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to Rs 1.51 lakh crore, with Rs 33,000 crore contributed by the private sector.
Defence exports , which were less than Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago, have now reached approximately Rs 24,000 crore and are expected to touch Rs 30,000 crore by March 2026, he said.
He emphasised that the objective should not be limited to assembling equipment but to building a genuine manufacturing base. “We must ensure that any technology transfer is effective and also serves as a means of empowering our indigenous industries,” Singh said.
Singh said the government is encouraging innovation through initiatives like the Quantum Mission , Atal Innovation Mission , and the National Research Foundation, aimed at fostering a culture of research and development.
He urged the industry to focus on developing subsystems and components domestically to make “our soil, our shield” the country’s first choice.
“The established world order is weakening, and conflict zones are increasing in many regions,” Singh cautioned, adding that India must continuously redefine its security strategy in light of global uncertainties.
Speaking at the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Annual Session 2025, Singh said Operation Sindoor (May 7–10) should serve as a case study for strengthening national security preparedness.
“Operation Sindoor should serve as a case study from which we can learn and chart our future course. This incident has once again shown us that anything can happen at our borders, anywhere, at any time”, he said.
Singh also suggested that Operation Sindoor created a situation where war was "knocking at our doorstep."
“Although we gave a firm response with a firm resolve and our forces are fully prepared to defend the country’s borders, we must continue to introspect,” he said, as quoted by PTI.
He said the operation underscored the effectiveness of India’s indigenously developed defence systems. “We all witnessed how the Akash missile system, BrahMos, AkashTeer Air Defence Control System, and other indigenous platforms demonstrated their prowess during Operation Sindoor,” the minister said, as per news agency ANI.
Singh said the success of the operation was due not only to the armed forces but also to “industry warriors” involved in innovation, design, and manufacturing. He called the Indian industry “one of the most important pillars of defence alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force.”
Highlighting the government’s focus on indigenisation, Singh said India’s defence production has risen from around Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to Rs 1.51 lakh crore, with Rs 33,000 crore contributed by the private sector.
Defence exports , which were less than Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago, have now reached approximately Rs 24,000 crore and are expected to touch Rs 30,000 crore by March 2026, he said.
He emphasised that the objective should not be limited to assembling equipment but to building a genuine manufacturing base. “We must ensure that any technology transfer is effective and also serves as a means of empowering our indigenous industries,” Singh said.
Singh said the government is encouraging innovation through initiatives like the Quantum Mission , Atal Innovation Mission , and the National Research Foundation, aimed at fostering a culture of research and development.
He urged the industry to focus on developing subsystems and components domestically to make “our soil, our shield” the country’s first choice.
“The established world order is weakening, and conflict zones are increasing in many regions,” Singh cautioned, adding that India must continuously redefine its security strategy in light of global uncertainties.
You may also like
Cyclone Montha may impact over 1,400 villages, 44 towns in Andhra (Roundup)
Japan's new PM has a trump card for Donald Trump - her friendship with Abe San
Can a couple get intimate in the same room after the child sleeps?
Apollo doctor recommends: 3 lifestyle changes important to protect heart health and naturally lower high BP risk
Thames Water needs urgent action - public needs to know what comes next
