Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Outlines Second Phase of Atmanirbharta
· India · Times of India, The Hindu
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India’s push for self-reliance in defence is entering its second phase, focusing on next‑gen military technology and global competitiveness. He delivered the remarks at the Indian Navy’s annual Swavlamban 2026 seminar, held this week at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, where he described innovators as "impact players" for the next stage. The Navy’s chiefs, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, emphasized rapid innovation and the need to shorten the "innovation to integration" cycle, citing the Ukraine conflict as a catalyst for accelerated tech adoption. Singh highlighted cost‑effectiveness, quality and operational relevance as key priorities for this new phase of Atmanirbharta.
Why it matters
The announcement reshapes India’s defence procurement strategy, signaling deeper reliance on indigenous AI, autonomous systems and cyber capabilities, which could accelerate domestic tech investment and reduce import dependence. Navy leaders are now tasked with fast‑tracking technology integration, potentially reshaping operational timelines and budgetary planning for the armed forces. Indian defence firms and start‑ups are expected to gain greater emphasis in the upcoming tender cycles, alterin
Read the original report — Times of India
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