Indigenous defence industry sparks a powerful rise in India
Indigenous Defence Industry Strengthens Powerful Global Leadership
Govt determined to expand capacity of indigenous defence industry for local production & exports, Indian diplomats crucial to realising the vision: Raksha Mantri to IFS Trainee Officers. The Trainee Officers of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) – 2025 Batch called on Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at South Block, New Delhi, on February 25, 2026. Addressing the officers, Raksha Mantri voiced the Government of India’s determination to expand the capacity of the indigenous defence industry for both local production and exports under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and the crucial role played by Indian diplomats in realising the vision. Enumerating the steps taken by the Government towards absorption of niche technologies in the defence sector, he stated that India has traversed a long distance from being a major importer of defence equipment to a manufacturer and exporter of platforms in all domains.
India’s push for self-reliance in defence has grown strongly over the past decade. For many years, India was one of the world’s biggest buyers of weapons. Fighter aircraft, submarines, guns, and even basic equipment often came from foreign countries such as Russia, France, Israel, and the United States. This created dependence and high costs. Now, the government is working to change this. Programmes like Aatmanirbhar Bharat have encouraged Indian companies to design and build their own defence equipment. Today, India produces items such as the Tejas fighter aircraft, the Arjun tank, and the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, which is the first aircraft carrier built fully in India. This shift has helped create jobs, build skills, and save foreign exchange.
Exports have also increased. India now sells defence equipment to many friendly countries. These include patrol boats, missile systems, radars, and protective gear. Defence exports have grown from very small levels about ten years ago to thousands of crores of rupees today. This has improved India’s global image and strengthened ties with other nations. Indian diplomats play a key role in this process. They help build trust, promote Indian defence products, and create partnerships with foreign governments.
Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that the global community of nations is closely following India’s growth story and looking up to its leadership role. He encouraged the officers to work with honesty and integrity to further India’s positive image. He told them that, while conducting their duties abroad, they should always remember that they represent the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. He urged them to remain open to new ideas, people, and perspectives from every culture and carry with them the values of India’s civilisational wisdom. He congratulated them for putting in hard work to join the coveted IFS.
India’s global standing has improved in recent years. The country is now seen as an important voice in world affairs. It is part of major groups such as the G20, where leaders discuss the global economy, climate change, and development. India also takes part in the Quad partnership with the United States, Japan, and Australia to support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Because of its fast-growing economy and large population, many countries want closer relations with India. Diplomats help build these relations. They handle talks, solve problems, and promote trade, culture, and security cooperation.
Indian diplomats also play a big role in defence diplomacy. This includes organising joint military exercises, defence training, and technology sharing. India regularly conducts exercises such as Malabar and Yudh Abhyas with friendly countries. These activities help improve trust and strengthen security. Diplomats also help when India signs defence agreements or sells equipment abroad. Their work ensures smooth communication between governments.
Before the interaction, the trainee officers were briefed on various defence diplomacy initiatives, defence budget, Tri-service integration and defence acquisition by officials from verticals of the Ministry of Defence. The batch comprised 55 Trainee officers with 53 Indian Trainees and 02 trainees from Bhutan.
India’s defence budget is among the largest in the world. A big part of this budget is now spent on buying equipment made in India. This helps local industries grow. The government has also created special lists of items that must be bought only from Indian companies. This has encouraged private firms and start-ups to enter the defence sector.
Tri-service integration is another important reform. Earlier, the Army, Navy, and Air Force often worked separately. Now, India has created the post of Chief of Defence Staff to improve coordination among the three services. Integrated commands are also being planned. This will help the armed forces respond faster and use resources better.
Defence acquisition has also become faster and more transparent. New rules support Indian manufacturers and simplify procedures. This helps the armed forces get modern equipment quickly while supporting local industry.
The presence of trainee officers from Bhutan shows India’s close ties with its neighbour. India and Bhutan share strong defence and security cooperation. India helps train Bhutan’s military personnel and supports its security needs.
As these young officers prepare for their diplomatic careers, they will play an important role in shaping India’s future. Their work will help strengthen defence partnerships, promote Indian industry, and represent the country with pride across the world.
