Defence and security a collective responsibility, says Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday emphasised that defence and security are the collective responsibility of the entire nation, urging states and union territories to become active partners in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Conference on “Opportunities of Defence Manufacturing in the Country” ln New Delhi, he said, “Strengthening the defence sector is not just the duty of one institution or government but the shared resolve of all Indians.” The Defence Minister underlined that self-reliance in defence is not merely about production or economic gains, but about ensuring strategic autonomy. “It is directly linked to our sovereignty,” he asserted, recalling the coordination among state governments during Operation Sindoor as an example of effective collaboration.
Highlighting the remarkable growth of India’s defence industry, Singh said that the country’s defence production has risen from Rs46,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1.5 lakh crore in 2025 – the highest ever. He noted that the private sector now contributes more than ₹33,000 crore, reflecting its increasing role in the Aatmanirbharta mission.Singh also listed goals in the defence sector to realise India's overall aim to become a developed country by 2047.

देश की रक्षा केवल केंद्र सरकार की नहीं, बल्कि पूरे राष्ट्र की सामूहिक जिम्मेदारी है। जब केंद्र, राज्य और देश के नागरिक एकजुट होते हैं, तब हर चुनौती छोटी और हर लक्ष्य संभव हो जाता है। pic.twitter.com/9RV1y46RUv

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 7, 2025

Organised by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), the conference aimed to raise awareness among states and union territories about various central initiatives promoting defence manufacturing. The event also featured the release of the iDEX Coffee Table Book: Shared Horizons of Innovation, highlighting the success stories of start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators contributing to India’s defence ecosystem.