Self-reliance in defence is crucial for India’s strategic autonomy: Defence Secretary

Self-reliance in defence is not merely an economic objective but a necessity for achieving long-term strategic autonomy, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Saturday (January 10, 2026).

“India is at a decisive moment in its defence and industrial journey, where self-reliance has emerged as a national imperative,” Mr. Singh said at the inauguration of the Defence Skilling Conclave on Defence, Aerospace and Strategic Sector Skill Development in Chandigarh.

“Guided by the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the sector has moved from import dependence to a vibrant ecosystem comprising defence public sector undertakings, private industry, MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), and start-ups,” he said, referring to the transformation of India’s defence industrial ecosystem over the past decade.

Indigenous platforms, including the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the Astra beyond visual range missile, Dhanush artillery guns, and INS Vikrant are shining examples of the growing synergy among the industry, research, and skilled manpower, the senior official said. “Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence is not merely an economic objective, but a necessity aimed at achieving long-term strategic autonomy. Evolving global supply chains and rapidly advancing technologies present both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for India’s defence sector,” he said.

The Punjab government organised a high-level Defence Skilling Conclave, focused on the defence, aerospace and strategic sectors, presided over by Aman Arora, State Minister of Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training.

Punjab contributes over 12% of the country’s soldiers despite having only 2% of the population, Mr. Arora said, adding that the State has a rich legacy in defence and is well-positioned to attract investment in the defence industry, with international airports at Mohali and Amritsar, one of India’s largest air force bases in Adampur, and conducive, business-friendly policies and environment in the State. “The government is working closely with industry leaders, educational institutions, and stakeholders to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training programmes for the defence sector,” Mr. Singh said.

“In coming times, if any State can serve the country the most in terms of skilling for defence — digitally, psychologically and emotionally — it is Punjab,” he said, adding that there was a need for collaborative policy-making between industry and the Central government to harness this potential, and position Punjab “as the nation’s steadfast shield”.