'Since independence, we were dependent on other countries for weapons, now we are becoming self-reliant', said Rajnath Singh in Pune.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described Operation Sindoor as a shining example of India's self-reliance in the defence sector, saying most of the equipment used by the armed forces during the operation was indigenous.

India has broken the barrier that had persisted since independence. The government has given strong impetus to arms manufacturing in the country.

India moving towards making defence sector self-reliant: Rajnath

The Defence Minister was addressing the convocation of Symbiosis Skills and Professionals University in Pune. He said, “We have started working towards becoming self-reliant in the defence sector. It was difficult in the initial stages because we were trying to change the entire system. Since independence, we were dependent on other countries for weapons. Buying defence equipment from abroad became a necessity for us, and indigenous production was almost non-existent. India has now broken that barrier that had persisted since independence.”

'Earlier, I was used to buying from other countries'

Rajnath Singh said, "We have strongly promoted indigenous weapons manufacturing. This was not easy at all, as the country had reached a comfortable position in terms of defense procurement. We had become accustomed to buying weapons from other countries."

He pointed out that defense production has increased from ₹46,000 crore to ₹1.5 lakh crore in the last 10 years. The government aims to increase domestic defense manufacturing to ₹3 lakh crore by 2029 and defense exports to ₹50,000 crore.

'Most of the weapons used in Operation Sindoor are indigenous'

"You must have witnessed the bravery of our armed forces during Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor is the most illustrious example of India's self-reliance in the defence sector, as most of the equipment used by the armed forces was indigenous," Rajnath said.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

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