Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressingthe gathering at the ‘Delhi Defence Dialogue 2025’, in New Delhi on November 11, 2025.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underlined that true strategic autonomy for India will be achieved only when the nation’s software is as indigenous as its hardware. He was speaking at the Delhi Defence Dialogue 2025, organised by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) on the theme ‘Harnessing New Age Technology for Defence Capability Development’.

Rajnath Singh said India must evolve from being a consumer to a creator of technology by building an environment where innovation thrives

Addressing defence experts, scientists, and industry leaders, Singh said India must evolve from being a consumer to a creator of technology by building an environment where innovation thrives through sound processes, agile institutions, and close collaboration between the soldier, the scientist, the start-up, and the strategist.

« If our foundations are strong, our institutions agile, our minds open, and our collaboration seamless, then every new technological wave will propel us. We will not merely adapt to revolutions made elsewhere, but become the architects of revolutions born here, » he stated.

Defence experts, Scientists, and Industry Leaders attending the event

The Defence Minister emphasised that the country must not only absorb but also shape disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, and Swarm Tech. He said the true test of technological progress lies in how effectively these tools are integrated into institutional processes and defence systems.

« High-speed data links and AI algorithms will achieve little without robust internal processes and human capacity to absorb and apply them effectively, » he noted, underscoring the importance of secure data systems, encrypted networks, and interoperable databases as the invisible backbone of defence readiness.

The Defence Minister emphasised that the country must not only absorb but also shape disruptive technologies

Highlighting government initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Technology Development Fund (TDF), Singh said these programmes are nurturing a generation of innovators who view national defence as a mission of service. « They are the architects of a future where cutting-edge technologies — from autonomous systems and quantum sensors to advanced materials — will bear the imprint of Indian ingenuity, » he added.

Calling for an expansion of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) into the digital realm, Singh said India must aim for « digital sovereignty » by developing indigenous software stacks, trusted semiconductor supply chains, and AI models trained on Indian data. « True strategic autonomy will come only when our code is as indigenous as our hardware, » he asserted.

CDS General Anil Chauhan was amongst the Defence experts present at the event

The Minister also urged officials to incorporate life-cycle cost assessments into defence procurement processes from the inception stage. « In many advanced nations, life-cycle cost is deeply woven into procurement frameworks. I have directed that we begin assessing sustenance costs right at the inception stage of every proposal, » he said, adding that such a step will ensure the optimal use of resources.

Rajnath Singh encouraged the Armed Forces to adopt global best practices not just in equipment, but in training, logistics, and management systems

Rajnath Singh encouraged the Armed Forces to adopt global best practices not just in equipment, but in training, logistics, and management systems. « It is far better to import best practices than to import the best equipment, » he said, adding that robust and transparent processes would help India produce excellence at home.

At the outset of his address, the Defence Minister expressed grief over the tragic accident in Delhi on November 10, assuring that those responsible « will be brought to justice and will not be spared under any circumstances. »

Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP’s Aviation, SP’s Land Forces and SP’s Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.