New Delhi: Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh said defence aatmanirbharta has become a national imperative and a necessity for achieving long-term strategic autonomy, as India stands at a decisive moment in its defence and industrial journey.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Defence Skilling Conclave on Defence, Aerospace and Strategic Sector Skill Development in Chandigarh on January 10, 2026. He said the defence ecosystem has transformed over the past decade under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The Defence Secretary said India has moved away from import dependence to a vibrant industrial base. He noted the growing role of Defence Public Sector Undertakings, private industry, MSMEs, and start-ups in indigenous manufacturing.
He said policy reforms and ease of doing business measures have accelerated domestic design and production. Indigenous platforms now range from UAVs and sensors to artillery guns, armoured vehicles, and missiles.
According to the Defence Secretary, the government has issued over 788 industrial licences to 462 companies. He said this expansion has boosted private participation, while defence exports crossed Rs 23,162 crore in 2025, marking a nearly 35-fold rise since 2014.
Defence aatmanirbharta linked to skills and technology sovereignty
Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh cited platforms such as LCA Tejas, Astra missile, Dhanush artillery guns, and INS Vikrant as examples of industry–research synergy. He said defence aatmanirbharta is not just an economic goal but a strategic requirement.
He said evolving global supply chains and rapid technological change present challenges and new opportunities. Therefore, he stressed the need for sovereignty over skills, technology, and intellectual capital alongside hardware indigenisation.
The Defence Secretary highlighted government efforts under the Skill India Mission. He said agencies such as the National Skill Development Corporation and Directorate General of Training are mapping current capabilities and future skill needs.
Referring to the PM-SETU programme, he said the initiative aims to bridge gaps between academia, industry, and defence R&D. The programme has an outlay of Rs 60,000 crore over five years, with 50 per cent government funding.
He said PM-SETU will establish Centres of Excellence, promote dual apprenticeships, and deploy AI-enabled training tools. It will also integrate Agniveers and veterans into structured skilling pathways.
The Defence Secretary called on states and industry to anchor the programme through outcome-driven apprenticeships and on-the-job training. He said Punjab has untapped potential in defence manufacturing and needs stronger MSME linkages, testing infrastructure, and defence ecosystem networks.
He also highlighted the role of Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. He said they form a pool of disciplined and technically trained youth who can support defence manufacturing through skill certification.
The conclave was organised by the Punjab government with SIDM and CII. Industry leaders, officials, academia, and Armed Forces representatives attended the event.
