Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday emphasised India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence production, declaring that “self-reliance is no longer just an advantage, but a necessity” amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.
Singh highlighted the commissioning of two indigenous Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri, as a milestone in India’s naval capabilities. He said the Indian Navy has pledged that all future warships will be built domestically and not procured from abroad.
“In the light of self-reliance, the nation is now making all warships in India. The navy has taken a pledge that no warship will be imported but made in the country itself,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister also announced progress on the Sudarshan Chakra, an indigenously developed defence system expected to be unveiled soon. He added that India’s growing indigenous defence capacity was not just strengthening national security but also boosting exports.
India’s defence exports, Singh noted, have risen sharply in the past decade, from less than ₹700 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹24,000 crore today. This growth, he said, signals India’s transformation from one of the world’s largest defence importers into an emerging exporter.
Addressing India’s approach to global relations, Singh reiterated that “there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.” He stressed that while India does not consider any nation its enemy, it will not compromise on its national interests, particularly at a time of tariff tensions with the United States and improving ties with China.