As tensions remain high following the success of Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the critical role of indigenous defence manufacturing during his address at the National Quality Conclave in Delhi.
On a day when Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes on military targets across northern and western India, Singh praised the quality of Indian-made weaponry, attributing the operation’s success to the strength and reliability of domestically produced arms.
“Self-reliance in defence is not optional. It’s a necessity,” Singh said. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for ‘defence sovereignty’, he stressed that relying on foreign defence imports compromises national security. “Purchasing arms from abroad means outsourcing our security to others. That’s not sustainable,” he said.
Singh highlighted the government’s continued efforts to boost both quality and scale in defence production. Initiatives such as the corporatisation of ordnance factories and support for public sector defence units were part of this strategic push.
In a clarion call to the industry, the Defence Minister urged the creation of a globally recognised "Brand India" in defence. “In a market flooded with choices, a lack of brand identity creates confusion. My appeal is simple. Make India the trusted name. When countries are uncertain, let the answer be clear: When in doubt, go for India,” he declared.
His remarks came amid heightened cross-border conflict. A day after India’s precision strikes on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, Pakistani forces launched retaliatory attacks on Indian military installations in 15 cities, including Srinagar, Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh.
In response, the Indian armed forces swiftly countered, neutralising Pakistani air defence systems, including strategic assets near Lahore.