New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for a new phase of defence self-reliance, urging India to develop advanced technologies, strengthen research and development, and build resilient supply chains. Addressing SWAVLAMBAN 2026 in New Delhi on October 26, he said “Aatmanirbharta 2.0” would help reduce import dependence and support Viksit Bharat@2047.
Singh said the first phase of defence indigenisation had laid a strong foundation. Now, India must pursue more ambitious technological goals. He stressed the need to manufacture cost-effective, operationally superior and globally competitive defence equipment.
The minister described supply chain management as a strategic imperative linked directly to national security. He called for a time-bound roadmap that identifies critical technologies, industries, resources and self-reliance targets. Although some foreign dependencies may persist, he said India must prioritise critical areas for domestic production.
Singh highlighted gaps in domestic supplies of raw materials, including rare earth elements, and shortages of specific technologies. He urged officials to assess buffer stocks and domestic production capacity before supply disruptions occur. He also expressed confidence that sustained investment could help Indian researchers develop advanced technologies.
The minister called for a change in attitudes towards research failures. Innovation involves risk, so he urged funding mechanisms that support high-risk, high-reward projects. He also sought greater private sector participation and investment in low-cost technologies that can deliver results through smaller experiments.
Defence self-reliance roadmap targets innovation and joint technology
Singh cited Israel, South Korea and the United States as examples of countries with strong research cultures. To foster innovation in India, he called for closer industry-academia collaboration, greater encouragement in educational institutions and more opportunities for young people to pursue research careers.
He highlighted the role of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in helping startups and micro, small and medium enterprises develop technologies previously imported by India. The Indian Navy has issued 229 challenges and received more than 4,000 proposals. Indian startups and MSMEs have developed solutions for naval systems, sensors, communications and other critical areas.
Singh also pointed to rising demand for naval ships amid changing circumstances in the Indian Ocean Region. Since shipbuilding requires substantial investment, he called for cost reductions alongside expanded domestic production. He said the next phase must focus on quality, efficiency and affordability, not just the volume of indigenous products.
The minister said naval contracts worth more than ₹1,900 crore showed progress in supporting innovators. However, he stressed that India must address remaining import dependencies, particularly Buyer Nominated Equipment, to advance naval self-reliance.
He proposed a “Dual Technology Roadmap” to prioritise technologies for both civilian and military use. He also called for broader indigenisation priorities covering civil and military shipping. In addition, he urged officials to identify technologies that all three Services and the Indian Coast Guard could use, strengthening inter-service jointness.
Singh acknowledged collaboration among the armed forces, industry and academic institutions on quantum technologies, artificial intelligence in warfare and uncrewed systems. He said these capabilities require sustained cooperation, perseverance and a clear focus on future operational needs.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said Navy-specific iDEX challenges had increased from 20 in 2022 to 229. They now account for around 35% of all iDEX challenges across the defence sector. He added that authorities had approved 41 Acceptance of Necessity cases worth more than ₹3,500 crore. The Navy has also signed 25 contracts valued at over ₹1,900 crore.
Swaminathan identified five priorities for faster capability development: ideation, prototyping, testing, contracting and induction, and life-cycle support. He urged the Navy, industry, startups and MSMEs to work together to bring indigenous innovations into operational use.
Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar described SWAVLAMBAN 5.0 as a platform for discussing emerging technologies, operational requirements and opportunities to expand domestic capacity. This year’s theme is “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation.” He called for greater collaboration across the defence ecosystem and highlighted iDEX’s role in turning indigenous innovations into procurement outcomes.
The event brought together Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, senior military officials, industry representatives, academics and iDEX innovators.
The technology exhibition featured more than 100 stalls run by startups and MSMEs. Exhibitors presented autonomous maritime platforms, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence for warfare, persistent surveillance, resilient navigation, advanced communications and counter-drone systems. A dedicated section showcased products progressing towards induction into the Indian Navy.
Singh released the Compendium of Technology Imperatives, Problem Statements and Future Concepts and the Swavlamban 5.0 document. Both publications outline naval priorities and development opportunities for industry. He also felicitated seminar speakers and iDEX innovators for their contributions to India’s defence capabilities.
Organised by the Indian Navy with the Defence Innovation Organisation and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, SWAVLAMBAN 2026 runs at Manekshaw Centre from October 26 to 27. Sessions cover quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and hypersonic technologies. The programme also addresses domestic supply chains, academic entrepreneurship and funding opportunities to help defence startups scale and commercialise their technologies.
