India's defence production has surged 174 per cent to ₹1.54 lakh crore over the last decade, while defence exports grew 34 times to ₹23,622 crore, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, at the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj. The minister described the shift as a historic transition — from India being a major importer of defence equipment to an emerging global exporter.

Private Sector Driving the Export Surge

Of the total defence exports, a substantial ₹15,000 crore came from the private sector, according to Dr Jitendra Singh. He said this reflects a major structural shift towards collaborative defence manufacturing, with industry now playing a central role alongside public-sector defence units. The minister credited reforms in key sectors for opening new opportunities that have enabled faster innovation cycles and the scaling of indigenous technologies.

Record Defence Budget for 2026-27

Highlighting government commitment, Dr Jitendra Singh noted that the Union Budget for 2026-27 earmarks ₹6,81,000 crore for defence — a 9.5 per cent increase over the previous year. He said funding mechanisms and policy initiatives are together creating a strong ecosystem for research, development and deployment of defence technologies. This is the highest defence allocation in absolute terms in India's budgetary history, and signals an intent to sustain the momentum built over the last decade.

Technology as the New Frontier of Warfare

Addressing the symposium, the minister said India has entered a decisive phase in its defence journey, where technology, indigenous innovation and private sector participation are shaping a new global identity. He emphasised that warfare is no longer defined by physical strength alone but is increasingly driven by advanced technologies, real-time data systems and automated platforms.

Dr Jitendra Singh pointed to India's expanding technological base, noting that sectors such as space, atomic energy, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies are now integral to defence preparedness. He specifically highlighted India's progress in quantum-secure communication capabilities, calling them critical to future warfare systems. The minister also stressed the need for accelerated timelines from design to deployment, with a focus on reliability, scalability and long-term sustainment.

North Tech Symposium 2026: A Platform for Indigenous Solutions

The North Tech Symposium 2026 is being held in Prayagraj from 4 to 6 May 2026, bringing together the Armed Forces, industry, academia and start-ups to develop mission-oriented indigenous solutions. Key focus areas include artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, counter-drone technologies, robotics, cyber and electronic warfare, communication systems, mobility platforms and high-altitude operational support. Over 280 industry partners are participating in the three-day event.

Dr Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between the Armed Forces, industry and research institutions will accelerate India's emergence as a leading defence technology nation, rooted in what he called technological sovereignty — developing, owning and sustaining critical technologies within the country.