Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on Saturday asserted that self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence is no longer an option but a national imperative, essential for achieving long-term strategic autonomy. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Defence Skilling Conclave on Defence, Aerospace and Strategic Sector Skill Development in Chandigarh.
“India is at a decisive moment in its defence and industrial journey, where self-reliance has emerged as a national imperative,” the Defence Secretary said, highlighting the profound transformation of India’s defence industrial ecosystem over the past decade. Guided by the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the sector has evolved from import dependence to a robust ecosystem comprising Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private industry, MSMEs, and start-ups.
Policy Reforms Driving Indigenous Manufacturing
Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh noted that sustained policy reforms and initiatives to improve Ease of Doing Business have catalysed a surge in indigenous manufacturing. These efforts have encouraged domestic design and production of platforms ranging from UAVs and sensors to complex systems such as artillery guns, armoured vehicles, and missiles.
He informed that:
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Over 788 industrial licences have been issued to 462 companies, significantly boosting private sector participation.
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India’s defence exports crossed ₹23,162 crore in 2025, marking a nearly 35-fold increase since 2014.
Indigenous Platforms Showcase Growing Capabilities
The Defence Secretary cited indigenous platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Astra Beyond Visual Range Missile, Dhanush artillery guns, and INS Vikrant as shining examples of the growing synergy between industry, research institutions, and skilled manpower.
He reiterated that Aatmanirbharta in defence is not merely an economic objective but a strategic necessity, adding that evolving global supply chains and rapid technological advancements present both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for India’s defence sector.
Human Capital Central to Strategic Autonomy
Emphasising the importance of skilled manpower, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that true strategic autonomy requires not only indigenisation of hardware but also sovereignty over skills, technology, and intellectual capital.
He highlighted Government initiatives under the Skill India Mission, with agencies such as the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Directorate General of Training (DGT) actively mapping current capabilities and future skill requirements for the defence and aerospace sectors.
PM-SETU to Bridge Academia–Industry–R&D Gap
Referring to the Prime Minister’s Skilling and Employment through Technology Upgradation (PM-SETU) programme, the Defence Secretary said the initiative has been launched to bridge gaps between academia, industry, and defence R&D.
With a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore over five years, including 50% funding by the Government of India, PM-SETU aims to:
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Establish Centres of Excellence
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Promote dual apprenticeships
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Introduce AI-enabled training tools
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Integrate Agniveers and veterans into structured skilling pathways
He called upon state governments and industry partners to anchor PM-SETU through an outcome-driven approach, with apprenticeships and on-the-job training forming the backbone of all skilling frameworks.
Punjab’s Potential as a Defence Manufacturing Hub
Highlighting the untapped potential of Punjab in defence manufacturing, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh stressed the need for:
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Strong defence ecosystem networks
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Enhanced MSME linkages with defence R&D institutions
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Dedicated skill development and testing infrastructure
These measures, he said, could enable Punjab to emerge as a major defence manufacturing hub.
Agniveers as a Skilled National Asset
The Defence Secretary underscored the vital role played by Agniveers, stating that the Agnipath scheme has created a pool of disciplined and technically trained youth. Through National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)-aligned certification, these youth can be seamlessly integrated into defence manufacturing and strategic sectors.
Collective Commitment to Defence-Led Growth
The conclave was organised by the Government of Punjab in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh said the event reaffirmed the collective commitment of government, industry, and academia to building a secure, self-reliant, and technologically advanced India.
He expressed confidence that with coordinated efforts, Punjab and the northern region can emerge as key drivers of defence-led economic growth.
The conclave was attended by industry leaders, senior officials, representatives of academia, and members of the Armed Forces.
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Source: PIB
