“The battlefield has changed. The wars of tomorrow will be fought with algorithms, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. Drones, anti-drone systems, quantum computing and directed-energy weapons will define the future. We have seen such a demo in Operation Sindoor as well,” stated Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during ‘Raksha Navachar Samvaad: Interaction with iDEX Startups’, prior to the inauguration of the National Conference at Vigyan Bhawan on October 7, 2025. He urged innovators to think beyond existing solutions and develop technologies that redefine warfare. “We must not remain imitators or followers in technology we must become the creators and standard-setters for the world,” he added.

Highlighting the measurable progress in indigenisation, Rajnath Singh stated that defence capital acquisitions from domestic sources have increased from ₹74,000 crore in 2021-22 to ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2024-25. He termed this shift as “not merely a statistical change but a change in mindset from dependence to confidence.” He also highlighted that under the Government’s Public Procurement Policy, at least 25 per cent of annual procurement is reserved for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), and over 350 items have been earmarked exclusively for them. “India’s self-reliance in defence has moved from being a slogan to becoming a movement. From policy to practice and from innovation to impact this transformation has been made possible by our innovators, startups, and young entrepreneurs,” underscored Defence Minister.

Calls upon iDEX innovators to create India’s first Defence Unicorn; urges youth to lead India’s technological transformation

Rajnath Singh encouraged startups to set higher benchmarks, underlining that India has more than 100 Unicorns today, but none in the defence sector, calling upon them to change that. “Let the first Defence Unicorn of India emerge from among you. It will be a matter of pride not only for you but for the entire nation,” he added. He reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the government will continue to stand firmly behind innovators and startups and will be with them at every step from ideation to implementation.

Defence Minister lauded the collective effort of innovators for contributing to record-breaking achievements in defence production worth ₹1.5 lakh crore and exports exceeding ₹23,000 crore in the last financial year. “You are the architects of a new India that believes in designing, developing and producing for itself. The energy and innovation you bring are key to realising the Prime Minister’s vision of a technologically self-reliant India,” he highlighted.

Recalling the inception of iDEX in 2018, Rajnath Singh described it as a transformational initiative that has democratised defence innovation in India. He stated that when iDEX was launched, the idea was simple yet powerful to connect the talent of India’s youth with the technological needs of the Armed Forces. “Today, in just seven years, more than 650 iDEX winners have emerged, and prototype procurements worth over ₹3,000 crore have been ensured. This marks a revolution in India’s defence innovation landscape,” he added.

Defence Minister highlighted that before iDEX, Indian talent was making remarkable contributions globally particularly in IT, telecom and space but was underutilised in defence. “Through iDEX, we ensured that India’s talent works for India’s security. Today, this initiative is not just a programme but a movement that is shaping the future of Indian defence manufacturing,” he underlined.

You are the architects of a new India that believes in designing, developing & producing for itself. The energy and innovation you bring are key to a technologically self-reliant India: Defence Minister

Rajnath Singh underscored that the Government has taken several landmark steps to support startups and MSMEs through reforms in defence procurement, production and testing infrastructure. Citing examples, he stated that the new Defence Procurement Manual (DPM-2025) provides assured orders for five years, extendable by another five, giving innovators much-needed stability and predictability. He further added that reforms in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) are underway to simplify processes, accelerate trials, and ensure assured procurement for innovative solutions.

“Through iDEX, Technology Development Fund, Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme and Self-Certification provisions, we are developing a comprehensive framework where innovation is encouraged, supported, and scaled. Our aim is to make India not just a defence manufacturer but a defence innovator for the world,” underlining Rajnath Singh while ensuring commitment to strengthening the defence innovation ecosystem.

Commending the achievements of iDEX winners such as Refi M. Fiber and Gravity Systems, who were honoured for their role in Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh stated that the innovations developed by Indian startups are now earning global appreciation. “It is a matter of great pride when our soldiers salute the innovation born out of India’s own soil. Several Indian startups are now showcasing their game-changing technologies at international platforms such as the Dubai Airshow 2025. The world is taking note of India’s innovation prowess,” he added.

The Defence Minister highlighted that the MoD is forging strategic alliances with the Department of Science & Technology, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, and leading financial institutions to facilitate end-to-end support for startups. “Our objective is to build an ecosystem where every idea gets the opportunity to grow into a viable product, every prototype gets the chance to scale into production, and every innovation contributes to India’s defence preparedness,” he stated.

“Today more than 650 iDEX winners have emerged & prototype procurements worth over ₹3,000 crore have been ensured. This marks a revolution in India’s defence innovation landscape”

Rajnath Singh pointed out that defence manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat has now become one of the most promising sectors for private investment, R&D and employment generation. He underscored that a strong indigenous defence industry is not only a strategic necessity but an economic multiplier.

Defence Minister stated that the defence innovation journey of India is moving steadily from concept to creation and from vision to victory. He underlined the fact that the nation together will make India not only self-reliant but a global leader in defence technology. He also reaffirmed that India’s defence startup ecosystem will play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s secure and self-reliant future.

The event organised by iDEX under the aegis of Department of Defence Production (DDP), MoD also featured an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge defence innovations developed under iDEX and ADITI, where the Defence Minister interacted with the innovators and appreciated their technological breakthroughs. Panel discussions and experience-sharing sessions were held on themes including Scaling Defence Startups, Bridging Innovation and Production, and Accelerating Aatmanirbharta through R&D Collaboration.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Secretary of the DDR&D & Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar along with senior officials from the MoD, DDP, innovators, startups, MSMEs, industry leaders, Armed Forces representatives and officials from various defence PSUs were also present on the occasion.