Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday, 18 July declared that Operation Sindoor stands as definitive proof of India's defence preparedness, crediting the transformation of the sector under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. Speaking at an official event in New Delhi, Singh described the operation as a reminder of the unmatched valour of the Indian Armed Forces and a demonstration of the government's 'zero tolerance' stance against terrorism.

Operation Sindoor: A Testament to Technological Warfare

Singh called Operation Sindoor a 'shining example of technological warfare' and proof of the government's trust in Indian industries. He highlighted the deployment of advanced indigenous systems during the operation. 'Advanced systems such as Akash Teer, Akash missile system and BrahMos were effectively used during the operation alongside various other state-of-the-art equipment. This is due to the foundation laid over the past 12 years,' he said.

The Defence Minister further stressed that India's 'zero tolerance against terrorism' is not merely a rhetorical position but an operational doctrine — one that empowers Indian forces to strike against terrorism not only at India's borders but deep within adversarial territory.

Record Defence Production and Export Milestones

Singh outlined the measurable outcomes of the government's Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) push in defence. Annual defence production reached a record high of approximately ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, up sharply from ₹40,000 crore around 2014. Defence exports have similarly surged to an all-time high of ₹38,000 crore, compared to just ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14.

Looking ahead, Singh set ambitious targets: 'Our defence production target is to surpass the figure of ₹2 lakh crore this year and ₹3 lakh crore by 2029. Our goal is to ensure that defence exports reach ₹50,000 crore by 2029,' he said, expressing confidence that the current pace of progress would deliver on those goals.

Indigenisation Lists and the Self-Reliance Drive

The Defence Minister detailed the structural steps underpinning India's self-reliance agenda. Five positive indigenisation lists have been issued by the Defence Forces, covering 509 items, with an additional five lists from Defence Public Sector Undertakings covering 5,012 items. Singh announced that another Positive Indigenisation List would soon be notified to accelerate the vision further.

He described Aatmanirbharta in defence as the most significant initiative of the Modi government, emphasising that achieving it requires a robust ecosystem for research, development, and innovation — led by start-ups, MSMEs, and young innovators, according to an official statement.

Defence Industrial Corridors: UP and Tamil Nadu

Singh highlighted the defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as pathbreaking reforms. Investments worth approximately ₹70,000 crore have been proposed for the two corridors, with around ₹10,000 crore already invested. He noted that advanced defence manufacturing is under way within these corridors, with many companies integrating into global supply chains.

'The UP Defence Industrial Corridor, in particular, has emerged as a powerful example of the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat,' he said, adding that the corridors have created new employment opportunities for the youth. With another indigenisation list imminent and production targets set through 2029, India's defence self-reliance drive shows no signs of slowing.