The Defence Minister’s assertion that wars are no longer confined to borders captures a defining reality of the 21st century. Modern conflicts are increasingly shaped by technology, supply chains, energy security, cyberspace, information warfare and economic coercion. Guns and tanks still matter, but mastery over data, drones, missiles, artificial intelligence and resilient manufacturing ecosystems has become equally decisive. In this rapidly evolving war scenario, nations that innovate more quickly and produce smarter solutions will hold the strategic advantage. India’s defence transformation over the last decade must be viewed against this backdrop. For decades, defence production remained the exclusive domain of public sector undertakings, often constrained by procedural delays, limited competition and slow adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The present Government’s firm belief that “Government should not be in business” has marked a decisive break from that past. By opening defence manufacturing to private players, simplifying policies and encouraging competition, India has redefined its defence industrial base.
The results are visible. Private companies are no longer peripheral suppliers but core contributors-designing, developing and exporting sophisticated weapons, ammunition, rockets, drones and electronic warfare systems. Indian-made platforms like Pinaka rockets, loitering munitions and anti-drone systems are finding buyers abroad, signalling a clear shift from import dependence to export confidence. Equally significant is the rise of defence startups. The startup wave, supported by policy reforms, defence corridors and innovation initiatives, is injecting agility and fresh thinking into a sector traditionally seen as rigid. Young engineers and scientists are delivering solutions in areas such as autonomous systems, cyber defence, space-based surveillance and precision-guided munitions. India has never lacked talent; what was missing earlier was an enabling ecosystem. With Government support and industry participation, that gap is rapidly closing.
Becoming a global arms supplier will take time. Defence manufacturing demands consistency, quality assurance and long-term credibility. Yet the momentum is unmistakable. Domestic defence production has surged, exports are rising steadily, and the private sector’s share continues to expand. More importantly, India is building the capacity to withstand supply disruptions and geopolitical pressures-an essential requirement in this era. The challenge now is to sustain this momentum. Continuous innovation, deeper private sector participation, robust R&D and skill development must remain national priorities. In an age of complex wars, technological mastery is India’s strongest weapon-and the country is finally learning to wield it with confidence.
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