Rajnath Singh Emphasizes Technology and Innovation for a Developed India

New Delhi, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the goal of a developed India extends beyond merely becoming a large economy. He emphasized the need for the nation to be technologically capable, economically competitive, and innovative while being confident in shaping its own future. Singh made these remarks during the ‘Greater Than Us’ campaign at IIT Kanpur in New Delhi.

He explained that self-reliance is not just about increasing production within the country’s borders. Instead, it involves developing the ability to think critically, innovate, and create. Singh pointed out that future industrial growth will increasingly depend on technology, innovation, productivity, and skilled human resources, rather than solely on infrastructure, investment, and manufacturing capacity. To this end, improved collaboration between educational institutions, researchers, and industries is essential.

Singh noted that IIT Kanpur could play a pivotal role in bridging scientific research with industrial applications. The institution can help connect emerging technologies with industries while also addressing the aspirations of youth and the opportunities arising from a changing economy.

The Defense Minister highlighted that the purpose of IITs has evolved beyond merely producing engineers and scientists. Their broader aim is to contribute to building a strong, self-reliant, and developed India. Generations of IIT alumni have significantly addressed various challenges related to national progress through their knowledge, talent, and entrepreneurship.

Singh acknowledged the increasing impact of innovation and entrepreneurship linked to Indian Institutes of Technology. By August 2025, the IIT network had supported over 6,000 startups, resulting in 56 unicorns and nearly 5,000 patents. These achievements demonstrate that IITs are no longer just educational institutions; they are becoming key centers for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement.

He stressed that the contributions of institutions like IIT Kanpur should not be evaluated solely by the number of graduates or research papers published. The true impact is visible in the technologies developed by alumni, the enterprises they establish, and the solutions they create that generate new opportunities for others. When knowledge and innovation from an institution reach various sectors and generations, its contribution to nation-building multiplies.

Singh also mentioned the establishment of a center of excellence at IIT Kanpur in collaboration with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), industry, and academia. He described this as a prime example of linking research with practical needs. Singh expressed his satisfaction with the proposal to set up a Defense Technology School at the institution.

He noted that such initiatives could strengthen cooperation between academic research and the defense sector’s requirements. This would facilitate the transformation of scientific achievements into strategically significant technologies. Efforts to develop technological capabilities in the defense sector are crucial, as they enhance the opportunities for applying knowledge developed in research institutions to meet real-world needs.