Prayagraj: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said India’s defence production has reached Rs 1.54 lakh crore, registering a remarkable 174% growth over the past decade, while exports have surged to Rs 23,622 crore, a 34-fold increase in the same period.“The transition from a major importer to an emerging exporter of defence equipment marks a decisive turning point in its strategic journey,” he said while addressing the second day of the ongoing North Tech Symposium 2026.The symposium, which began on May 4 and will conclude on May 6, will also be attended by chief minister Yogi Adityanath.Singh emphasised that India has entered a new phase where technology, indigenous innovation and private sector participation are collectively shaping the country’s defence ecosystem and its emerging global identity.He noted that modern warfare was no longer defined solely by physical strength but increasingly driven by advanced technologies, real-time data systems and automated platforms.He pointed out that sectors like space, atomic energy, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies are now central to defence readiness, with India already making strides in quantum-secure communication systems that are expected to play a critical role in future warfare.Highlighting the role of industry, the minister said the private sector contributed nearly Rs 15,000 crore to defence exports, signaling a strong shift towards collaborative manufacturing.He added that govt reforms and policy support have opened new avenues for industry participation, enabling faster innovation cycles and scaling up of indigenous technologies. “The Union Budget for 2026-27 has earmarked Rs 6,81,000 crore for defence, reflecting a 9.5% increase over the previous year, further reinforcing the govt’s commitment to strengthening the sector,” he said.Singh stressed the importance of synergy between the armed forces, scientific research and industrial capabilities, calling it essential for building a resilient and self-reliant defence ecosystem.He urged stakeholders to accelerate timelines from design to deployment, with a focus on reliability, scalability and long-term sustainment of technologies.The minister also highlighted the evolving role of the armed forces, noting their critical contributions not only in national security but also in disaster response and humanitarian assistance.The symposium themed “Raksha Triveni Sangam — Where Technology, Industry and Soldiering Converge,” is jointly organised by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.Senior Army commanders, armed forces personnel, scientists, industry leaders, academia and startups are participating in the event.
