Self-reliance only way to stay relevant in era of global uncertainty: Rajnath Singh

NEW DELHI/KOLKATA: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that “self-reliance is the only way to stay relevant and ready in the present era of uncertainty” and emphasised that the “current global situation has led to the realignment of supply chains, formation of new equations and constant rise in maritime activities, reaffirming the govt’s resolve of attaining self-reliance in every field”.

“Strait of Hormuz or the entire Persian Gulf region is crucial for global energy security. When there is disturbance in the region, it directly impacts the supply of oil and gas. Moreover, we’re witnessing supply chain disruptions in other sectors as well. These uncertainties have a direct impact on the economy and global trade. The global scenario is an abnormal situation. What is more worrying is the fact that this abnormality is becoming the new normal,” he said.




Inaugurating ‘Sagar Sankalp — Reclaiming India’s Maritime Glory’, a defence and maritime dialogue in Kolkata, Rajnath said, “Govt's efforts for self-reliance in the defence sector are yielding positive results as, in fiscal 2024-25, domestic defence production surpassed a record figure of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, with defence exports touching an all-time high of Rs 24,000 crore.”

He said by April 2026, defence exports are poised to reach Rs 29,000 crore and the govt has set a target to export defence equipment worth Rs 50,000 crore by FY 2029-2030.

“Old ideas, old global order and old perceptions are changing rapidly. These are the uncertainties we need to understand. The current situation in the Middle East is one prime example. What is happening there is quite unusual. It is difficult to make concrete comments about the future course of events in the Middle East or in our neighborhood,” he said.

Terming DPSUs as a key pillar of the govt’s self-reliance vision, he stated that, in the shipbuilding sector, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd and other shipyards, have also been given special focus to make the domestic industrial ecosystem strong and futuristic. “The goal is to develop ships into technology hubs, not just production units,” he said.

Describing “technological dynamism” as another crucial element in today's world, the minister said technology is bringing about unprecedented changes in every sphere of life, and it is even more clearly visible in the defence sector.

He highlighted that high-end and precision technologies are being used in the defence sector, and the govt aims to achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence tech to remain ready for emerging and future challenges. He acknowledged the fact that the private industry, today, contributes 25% of the defence platforms/equipment and accessories manufactured in the country, and exuded confidence that this participation will increase to 50 % share of total defence production by value in the times to come.
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