“Operation Sindoor is testimony to India’s up-to-date, up-to-the-mark, and up-to-the-standard defence preparedness, sharpened by the transformation of the defence sector through Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s sustained efforts in the last 12 years, guided by the spirit of ‘Nation First’ and ‘Forces First’,” said Raksha Mantri Rajnath at an event in New Delhi on July 18, 2026. He described Op Sindoor as a reminder of the unmatched valour of the Indian Defence Forces, which gave a befitting reply to terrorists and their patrons, reflecting the Government’s clear ‘zero tolerance’ stance against terrorism. He emphasised that ‘zero tolerance against terrorism’ is not merely a statement but a line of action, reiterating that India has the capability to strike against terrorism not only at its doorstep but also by entering where it resides.
Raksha Mantri asserted that India’s transformed defence sector played a pivotal role in the successful execution of a complex operation such as Op Sindoor, describing it as a shining example of technological warfare and proof of the Government’s trust in Indian industries. “Advanced systems such as Akash Teer, Akash missile system and BrahMos were effectively used during the operation alongside various other state-of-the-art equipment. This is due to the foundation laid over the past 12 years,” he said.
Highlighting the steps taken by the Government to foster Aatmanirbharta in defence, Rajnath Singh stated that five positive indigenisation lists have, so far, been issued by the Defence Forces comprising 509 items, in addition to five by the Defence Public Sector Undertakings consisting of 5,012 items. “As we move forward with determination and a systematic approach towards building a self-reliant and empowered defence sector, another Positive Indigenisation List will soon be notified to further accelerate this vision,” he said.
Listing out the positive results achieved due to the continuous self-reliance efforts, Raksha Mantri said the annual defence production reached a record high of approximately Rs 1.78 lakh crore in Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 from Rs 40,000 crore around 2014. He added that defence exports have crossed an all-time high figure of Rs 38,000 crore from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14. “Our defence production target is to surpass the figure of Rs 2 lakh crore this year and Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029. Our goal is to ensure that defence exports reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. Given the current pace of progress, I am confident that we will succeed in achieving the targets,” he said.
