Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Defence Ministry Urges R&D for Full Self-Reliance
The defence ministry in India is encouraging companies to not just make defence equipment in India, but also to design and develop it here.
This was discussed at a conference in Gujarat.
The goal is to be completely self-reliant, meaning India won't have to depend on other countries for important parts or designs.
Currently, 75% of the defence budget is spent on Indian companies, but the ministry wants more focus on research and development (R&D) so that India can control the entire process.
This includes ensuring the quality of products and involving more small and medium-sized businesses in defence production.
The ministry also highlighted the growth in India's defence industry and exports, showing progress in this direction.
Defence Ministry emphasizes indigenous design, development, and manufacturing for full self-reliance.
75% of the defence acquisition budget is allocated for indigenous sources.
Over 20,000 MSMEs are contributing to the defence production sector in India.
Defence exports have grown from Rs686 crore to Rs24,000 crore.
Private sector contribution to defence production has increased to 30-35%.
- Who
- Defence Ministry, Sanjeev Kumar (Union Secretary, DDP), Indian defence industry
- What
- Emphasis on indigenous design, development, and manufacturing in defence production
- When
- Discussed at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Rajkot
- Where
- Rajkot, Gujarat, India
- Why
- To achieve full self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) and reduce dependency on foreign OEMs
- Current Indigenous Defence Budget Allocation
- 75%
- Growth in Domestic Defence Industry
- Rs46,000 crore to Rs1.53 lakh crore
- Defence Exports Growth
- Rs686 crore to Rs24,000 crore
- Private Sector Contribution
- 30-35%
- MSMEs in Defence Sector
- Over 20,000