India Must Prepare for War-like Situations, Says Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for India to remain prepared for “war-like situations” during a recent event in New Delhi. He noted that unexpected challenges can emerge along the borders, as demonstrated by the recent four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May.

Speaking candidly, Singh mentioned that India’s response during Operation Sindoor should inform the nation’s future security strategies. He declared, “Although we responded firmly and our forces are fully prepared to defend the country’s borders, we must continue to introspect.”

Singh stated, “Operation Sindoor should serve as a case study from which we can learn and chart our future course. It has shown that anything can happen at our borders, anywhere, anytime.” This assertion reflects the minister’s commitment to an adaptable defence posture.

Highlighting the importance of self-reliance, he praised India’s indigenously developed weapons systems, including the Akash missile and BrahMos. He noted these systems significantly enhanced India’s global reputation during the recent military engagement.

Singh stressed, “We need to be ready for a war-like situation, and our preparedness must rest on our own foundation.” He articulated that indigenisation represents a sustainable method to navigate emerging global uncertainties effectively.

Furthermore, Singh highlighted government initiatives aimed at fostering a level-playing field for defence manufacturing to fortify India’s domestic ecosystem. He affirmed, “We are striving to ensure that defence equipment is not merely assembled in India but genuinely manufactured here, embodying the spirit of ‘Made in India, Made for the World’.”

Statistics shared by Singh underscored the remarkable growth of India’s defence production, increasing from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.51 lakh crore today. Private sector contributions now stand at ₹33,000 crore, signifying a robust partnership in national security.

Defence exports have also seen a significant uptick, nearly reaching ₹24,000 crore, with a target of ₹30,000 crore by March 2026. These figures illustrate India’s evolving role as a defense manufacturing hub on the global stage.