Is Atmanirbharta in Defence a Key to India's Survival and Progress?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Atmanirbharta is essential for India's defence.
- India's defence exports have significantly increased.
- Dependency on foreign nations is no longer viable.
- Government's vision under Modi supports self-reliance.
- Indigenous capabilities are key to operational success.
New Delhi, Aug 30 (NationPress) The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, highlighted the critical role of 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in the defence arena, labeling it as a 'condition for survival and progress' in the 21st century.
During his address at the NDTV Defence Summit 2025, Singh emphasized that given the current geopolitical landscape, relying on foreign nations for defence needs is simply 'not an option' for India.
He pointed out that the global environment is rapidly evolving, stating, 'Whether it’s pandemics, terrorism, or regional conflicts, this century has proven to be the most unstable and challenging on every front so far.' Under these circumstances, he asserted, 'Atmanirbharta' has shifted from being a privilege to a necessity for India's strategic requirements.
Singh elaborated, 'The evolving geopolitics have made clear that foreign dependency in defence is not feasible for us. Presently, 'Atmanirbharta' is crucial for both our economy and security.'
He further affirmed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government has steadfastly embraced the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
He remarked, 'We never needed options. Our government believes that aligning with 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' will fortify our strategic economy.'
Singh noted the remarkable growth in India's defence exports.
'In 2014, our defence exports were below Rs 700 crore. Today, we have skyrocketed to nearly Rs 24,000 crore, marking a record high. This signifies that India is transitioning from being solely a buyer to an emerging exporter.'
The Defence Minister also commended the armed forces for their adept execution of Operation Sindoor.
'Our forces, utilizing indigenous equipment, executed precise strikes on targets, demonstrating that no mission succeeds without vision, preparation, and coordination.'