Key Points

Highlighting the scale of indigenous effort, Defence Minister Singh, speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit 2025, noted that nearly 75 per cent of the new warships were designed locally, a development he said would significantly bolster India's strategic autonomy.

The statement comes days after the commissioning of two indigenously-built Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri.

These advanced warships feature significant upgrades in weapon and sensor systems and are equipped to undertake a wide spectrum of maritime operations.

Defence Minister Singh's remarks also follow the conclusion of 'Operation Sindoor', India's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

The attack was carried out by terrorists linked to 'The Resistance Front' -- an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. India retaliated with precision strikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

A notable aspect of 'Operation Sindoor' was the deployment of indigenously-developed air defence system modules, which successfully shielded both civilian and military infrastructure from a barrage of Pakistani missiles and drones.

Defence Minister Singh said the entire world had witnessed India's growing Defence capabilities.

"The way our forces, with indigenous equipment, carried out precise strikes on their targets shows no mission can succeed without a vision, long-term preparation, and coordination," he said.

He stressed that the operation was not just a short-term conflict but a reflection of long-term strategy.

"Operation Sindoor may seem like just a few days' war, and a story of India's victory and Pakistan's defeat, but behind it lay years of strategic preparation and a long role of Defence preparedness," Defence Minister Singh said.

The Defence Minister also highlighted the economic benefits of advancing indigenous Defence production, citing the rapid growth in arms exports.

"In 2014, our Defence export was less than Rs 700 crore. Today, it has increased to nearly Rs 24,000 crore, reaching a record level. This shows that India is no longer just a buyer; it is becoming an exporter," he said.

Emphasising that the focus on domestic Defence manufacturing would not only safeguard the country but also strengthen its global stature, Singh remarked, "This very approach will keep us secure in the times to come and also secure us a leading position among the world's emerging powers."

- IANS