Op Sindoor proved power of Made-in-India weapons: MoS Sanjay Seth
Synopsis
At the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth declared Operation Sindoor a validation of India's indigenous weapons ecosystem — crediting MSMEs, start-ups, and DPSUs alongside the armed forces. With 284 private defence manufacturers on display, the event signals how deeply India's 'Make in India' defence push has moved from policy to battlefield proof.
Key Takeaways
MoS Defence Sanjay Seth credited Operation Sindoor's success to indigenously developed weapons and the collective resolve of India's defence ecosystem.
Seth described MSMEs as the backbone of the economy and start-ups as brand ambassadors, linking them to PM Modi's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
GOC-in-C Central Command Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta called for closer industry-army collaboration to build a future-ready force.
The North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj features 284 stalls by private defence manufacturers and was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh .
Demonstrations include drones, counter-UAV systems, all-terrain vehicles, and surveillance equipment.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Tuesday credited the success of Operation Sindoor to the courage of India's armed forces, bolstered by indigenously developed weapon systems, asserting that the country's military strength is firmly rooted in its domestic defence manufacturing base. Seth made the remarks while addressing the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj.
Key Remarks on Operation Sindoor
"India's military might is forged in the factories of our defence industries," Seth said, commending the armed forces for neutralising threats and dismantling terror hideouts during Operation Sindoor. He noted that the effective deployment of 'Made-in-India' defence equipment reflects a collective national resolve involving the government, defence public sector undertakings, private industry, innovators, start-ups, and MSMEs — all working toward self-reliance in defence.
"This New India does not cast an evil eye on anyone, nor does it look the other way if someone tries to threaten its sovereignty," Seth added, underscoring a sharper posture in India's defence doctrine.
MSMEs and Start-Ups as Growth Engines
Addressing industry stakeholders, Seth described micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the economy and called start-ups the brand ambassadors of the country. "Our start-ups and MSMEs are the driving force for future growth and will play a pivotal role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. They are the Vishwakarmas of our age," he said.
He also highlighted record levels of defence production and exports as evidence of a 'New India' focused on strengthening its own capabilities to safeguard national interests, while urging industry stakeholders to innovate continuously amid rapidly evolving global uncertainties.
Army's Call for Industry Collaboration
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, called on industry to collaborate closely with the armed forces to meet emerging operational requirements and help build a future-ready army. He said self-reliance would ensure strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, and operational flexibility.
Senior military officials present included GOC-in-C, Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma; GOC, 1 Corps Lieutenant General V. Hariharan; and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) President Arun T. Ramchandani, along with industry leaders, innovators, and academia representatives.
About North Tech Symposium 2026
The three-day North Tech Symposium 2026 is being organised by the Indian Army's Northern and Central Commands in collaboration with SIDM under the theme 'Raksha Triveni Sangam — Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge'. The event was inaugurated on Monday by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and features 284 stalls set up by private defence manufacturers showcasing advanced technologies.
Demonstrations of unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, counter-UAV systems, all-terrain vehicles, surveillance equipment, and other defence products are also part of the exhibition. The symposium signals a broader push to deepen the civil-military-industry partnership at a time when India's defence exports have hit record highs.
Point of View
The government is consciously building a narrative that links battlefield outcomes to industrial policy. What remains unverified is the specific role each indigenous system played in Sindoor — a distinction that matters for credible accountability. The broader risk is that conflating military success with industrial policy milestones could set benchmarks that are harder to sustain when geopolitical conditions are less favourable.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did MoS Sanjay Seth say about Operation Sindoor?
MoS Defence Sanjay Seth credited Operation Sindoor's success to the courage of India's armed forces, reinforced by indigenously developed, state-of-the-art weapons and systems. He said the operation reflects a collective national resolve toward self-reliance in defence.
What is the North Tech Symposium 2026?
The North Tech Symposium 2026 is a three-day defence technology event organised by the Indian Army's Northern and Central Commands with SIDM in Prayagraj, under the theme 'Raksha Triveni Sangam'. It features 284 stalls by private defence manufacturers and was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Why are MSMEs and start-ups important to India's defence sector?
According to MoS Seth, MSMEs and start-ups form the backbone of India's defence manufacturing ecosystem and are critical to achieving PM Modi's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He called them the 'Vishwakarmas of our age' and brand ambassadors of the country.
What is the role of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor?
MoS Seth underlined the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor as a key initiative boosting the domestic defence ecosystem, aimed at attracting investment and fostering innovation in the sector.
What technologies were demonstrated at the North Tech Symposium 2026?
The symposium featured demonstrations of unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, counter-UAV systems, all-terrain vehicles, and surveillance equipment, alongside 284 stalls by private defence manufacturers showcasing advanced defence technologies.
