19 hrs ago

India Vows Defence Self-Reliance While Rejecting Territorial Ambitions

India’s defence minister said the country does not want to take land from other countries.

He said India will protect itself if it feels threatened.

He also said peace should not be mistaken for weakness.

India will not hold talks with countries that support terrorism against it, according to the minister.

The government wants India to make more of its own military equipment.

Defence exports have grown significantly, and India aims to increase them further.

New technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence and space systems are becoming important in warfare.

The minister also said companies and research organisations should work together to strengthen India’s defence capabilities.

Key facts

Defence exports: Rs 38,424 crore in 2025–26, up from Rs 686 crore in 2013–14.
Export target: Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.
Defence allocation: About Rs 7.85 lakh crore in 2026–27, compared with about Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14.
Domestic procurement: About 75% of the 2026–27 capital acquisition budget, worth Rs 1.39 lakh crore.
Defence corridors: Investment proposals worth about Rs 70,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with nearly Rs 10,000 crore invested.
Vaccine Maitri: More than 30 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses supplied to over 100 countries.
Emerging technologies: Cyber, space, electronic and information warfare, alongside artificial intelligence, drones, quantum technology and hypersonic weapons.

deccanchronicle.com · 20 hrs ago