India must evolve from a consumer of technology to a creator of it, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a sweeping keynote address at the Delhi Defence Dialogue, organized by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Speaking on the theme “Harnessing New Age Technology for Defence Capability Development,” Singh laid out a bold vision for India’s strategic autonomy, emphasizing the need for seamless ecosystems that unite soldiers, scientists, startups, and strategists.
He began by expressing condolences for the victims of the tragic incident in Delhi on November 10, assuring that a swift and thorough investigation is underway and that those responsible will be brought to justice without exception.
Singh’s address focused on the imperative to build agile institutions and collaborative frameworks that allow niche technologies to thrive. He argued that India must not merely adapt to global technological revolutions but become the birthplace of its own. “If our foundations are strong, our institutions agile, our minds open, and our collaboration seamless, then every new technological wave will not overwhelm us. It will propel us,” he declared.
He stressed that the power of technology lies not just in devices or algorithms but in its ability to redefine systems, processes, and decisions that shape national security. Singh called for a defence architecture that learns continuously, responds instantly, and evolves relentlessly. He emphasized that high-speed data links, AI-driven algorithms, quantum computing, and autonomous systems are only as effective as the institutions that absorb and apply them.
Invisible technologies—secure data architectures, encrypted networks, automated maintenance systems, and interoperable databases—were highlighted as critical components of defence readiness. Singh praised the expanding defence industrial base and the synergy among DRDO, the Armed Forces, industry, and academia, which he said is creating a virtuous cycle of research, testing, and innovation.
He spotlighted initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Technology Development Fund (TDF) as incubators for a new generation of innovators committed to national service. These efforts, he said, are producing cutting-edge technologies in autonomous systems, quantum sensors, advanced materials, and space-based surveillance, all bearing the imprint of Indian ingenuity.
Singh called for extending Aatmanirbharta beyond hardware to digital sovereignty, asserting that true strategic autonomy will only be achieved when India’s code is as indigenous as its hardware. He advocated for secure software stacks, trusted semiconductor supply chains, and AI models trained on Indian data. He warned against viewing technology as a replacement for human judgment, urging investment in the ethical, psychological, and legal dimensions of emerging tech.
He also emphasized the role of technology as a resource optimizer, not just a force multiplier. Singh announced that India will begin assessing life-cycle costs at the inception stage of procurement proposals, a practice deeply embedded in advanced nations. This, he said, will ensure better decision-making and optimal resource use.
Singh urged the Armed Forces to adopt best global practices not only in equipment but also in training, logistics, planning, and management systems. He argued that importing excellence in process is more valuable than importing equipment, and that robust, adaptive systems will enable India to produce excellence domestically. He encouraged MP-IDSA to document and disseminate such practices to help the Services adapt them to India’s context.
The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, MP-IDSA Director General Ambassador Sujan Chinoy, ambassadors from friendly nations, and senior civil and military officials.
