Prayagraj, May 5: Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Tuesday that India has transformed from a major importer of defense equipment to an emerging exporter over the past decade. During this period, defense production has increased by 174%, reaching ₹1.54 lakh crore, while defense exports have skyrocketed 34 times to ₹23,622 crore.
The minister highlighted that the private sector contributed approximately ₹15,000 crore to total defense exports, indicating a significant shift towards collaborative defense manufacturing.
Speaking at the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, he stated that India has entered a decisive phase in its defense sector journey, where technology, indigenous innovation, and private sector participation are shaping the country’s new global identity. He emphasized that modern warfare is increasingly driven not just by physical strength but also by advanced technology, real-time data systems, and automated platforms.
Dr. Singh pointed out that India’s expanding technological base now includes critical areas such as space, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology, which have become integral to defense preparedness. He noted that India has made rapid advancements in quantum-secure communication capabilities, which will play a vital role in future warfare systems.
Highlighting the government’s increasing support, he revealed that the budget for the defense sector for 2026-27 has been allocated ₹6.81 lakh crore, reflecting a 9.5% increase from the previous year.
Dr. Singh mentioned that reforms in key areas have opened new opportunities for industry participation, accelerating innovation and the expansion of indigenous technologies. He stated that the government is creating a robust ecosystem for research, development, and deployment through funding and policy initiatives.
He stressed the importance of coordination among the operational needs of the armed forces, scientific research, and industrial capabilities to establish a self-reliant and empowered defense ecosystem. He called for expediting the process from design to deployment, focusing on reliability, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
The minister also highlighted the evolving role of the armed forces, noting their significant contributions not only to national security but also to disaster management and humanitarian assistance. He referenced recent incidents where timely interventions saved many lives.
The North Tech Symposium 2026 is being held from May 4 to 6 in Prayagraj. This event provides a platform for the armed forces, industry, academic institutions, and startups to collaborate on mission-oriented indigenous solutions that meet changing operational needs.
The symposium focuses on key areas such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, counter-drone technology, robotics, cyber and electronic warfare, communication systems, mobility platforms, and operational support for high-altitude areas. Over 280 industry partners are participating in this event.
Dr. Singh expressed confidence that India’s efforts towards self-reliance in the defense sector are based on technological sovereignty, which includes the development, ownership, and protection of critical technologies within the country. He believes that collaborative efforts among the armed forces, industry, and research institutions will rapidly position India as a leading defense technology nation.
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