"We will have to reduce our dependence on foreign countries for our defence equipment": Rajnath Singh

New Delhi [India], November 25 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday emphasised the need to reduce India's dependence on foreign countries for defence equipment and called for building a strong supply chain to make India "self-reliant".
Speaking at the Indian Navy's Seminar- Swavlamban 2025 event, the Defence Minister said that once defence equipment is procured from foreign countries, not only does the purchasing cost increase, but the country also has to bear the long-term financial burden of maintenance, repair, and spare parts supply.
"We will have to reduce our dependence on foreign countries for our defence equipment. When we procure any major equipment from outside, it's not just the cost of purchasing it. Along with that, the country has to bear the long-term financial burden of maintenance, repair, and spare parts supply as well. This is precisely why we need to make our supply chain completely strong and self-reliant," Rajnath Singh said.
He lauded India's progress as a maritime power, stating that its credit goes to the nation's innovators, along with the Indian Navy. Singh mentioned that the country is entering the golden period of its innovation in the defence sector. The Defence Minister asserted that India's economic strength, strategic thinking, and technological progress, when integrated, are creating a new defence architecture that is becoming possible because of the Navy.
"If India is rising today as a maritime power, then the contribution of our innovators, along with the Navy, is also part of it. In today's world, the way multi-use technology is becoming increasingly important, our innovators are working on that as well. When I stand in this hall today and look towards all of you, it gives me confidence that India is entering into a golden era of defence innovation, and you people are laying the foundation of this golden era. India's economic strength, strategic thinking, and technological progress, integrating all of these to create the new defence architecture that is becoming possible, is only because of you," Rajnath Singh said.
He stressed that the government envisioned becoming self-reliant as soon as it came to power; however, an ecosystem is not built just by the government, but by the navy.
"The dream of self-reliance that we envisioned as soon as we came to power, all of you have carried forward that vision... I also want to say that this ecosystem is not built just by the government, but it is built by you. It is built from your passion, your creativity, your willingness to experiment," he added.
Earlier on November 20, the Curtain Raiser Press Conference for the 4th edition of the Indian Navy's Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) Seminar - Swavalamban - 2025 was held in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of VADM Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement said.
Highlighting the key features of Swavalamban-2025, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff said that the event will highlight the innovation and indigenisation efforts of the Indian Navy and the contribution of Indian industries, while also focusing on technological advancements that can significantly enhance the country's defence capabilities.
He informed that Swavalamban-2025 will focus more on emerging and disruptive technologies to keep pace with the country's changing security requirements.
The Vice Chief of Naval Staff underlined the Navy's continued progress towards self-reliance in defence technologies, which aligns with the theme of Swavalamban-2025, ' Strength and Affordability through Innovation and Indigenisation', which highlights the Navy's focus on collaborative and cutting-edge solutions to operational challenges.
This year's seminar will include dedicated exhibition areas showcasing successful products as well as those realised through the " idea to inspiration" cycle. The seminar will also feature in-depth brainstorming sessions on policy frameworks and processes to accelerate the adoption of indigenous technologies.
Expert-led panels will provide insights on emerging technologies, disruptive trends, and their relevance to the maritime sector. Additionally, a dedicated interactive session with venture capitalists will explore opportunities for financing, scaling, and fostering innovative ideas, it said.