Military Preparedness Cannot Be Separated From Technological Readiness: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said military preparedness in the 21st century cannot be separated from technological preparedness, emphasising that India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence must be driven by technological sovereignty.

Addressing the Delhi Defence Dialogue organised by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), Singh said Aatmanirbharta should ensure that the country's critical defence requirements are not held hostage to external dependencies. He clarified that self-reliance does not necessarily mean manufacturing everything domestically but building the capability to meet essential defence needs without excessive dependence on foreign sources.

"Aatmanirbharta must be understood as a quest for technological sovereignty. It does not mean producing everything ourselves… It means ensuring that our critical defence requirements are not held hostage to external dependencies," he said.

The minister also highlighted the changing nature of modern warfare, observing that the distinction between conventional and unconventional warfare is becoming increasingly blurred.

He stressed that technological advancements are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping military capabilities and determining preparedness in the evolving security environment. Looking ahead to India's centenary of Independence in 2047, Singh said the country must set ambitious objectives for its defence sector.

At the same time, he cautioned that self-reliance without collaboration could limit India's technological horizons. He called for an approach that strengthens indigenous capabilities while encouraging co-development and international partnerships.

Singh said India's pursuit of Aatmanirbharta should not be viewed as a retreat from the world. Rather, it would enable the country to engage with other nations from a position of greater technological strength and confidence. The dialogue brought together senior Defence Ministry officials, domestic and international experts, and industry representatives to deliberate on defence and strategic issues.