On November 3, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the Ministry of Defence’s Consultative Committee in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The meeting focused on the modernisation of Indian Armed Forces, military preparedness, coordination among the three services, indigenous defence manufacturing and the adoption of advance technologies.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the defence budget for FY 2026-27 had increased to a record ₹7.85 lakh crore, with ₹2.19 lakh crore allocated for capital expenditure on military modernisation and procurement.
On defence self-reliance, he said domestic defence production had risen from ₹46,429 crore in FY 2014-15 to a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, while defence exports had grown from less than ₹2,000 crore in 2014 to approximately ₹40,000 crore. The Government aims to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029.
Emphasising the role of human capital in military preparedness, Singh highlighted the Indian Army’s new formations, including the ‘Asani’, ‘Bhairav’ and ‘Shaktiban’ platoons, designed to address evolving battlefield requirements. He said modernisation must focus not only on advanced equipment but also on technological capabilities, personnel training and operational readiness.
The meeting emphasized strengthening Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous research, development and manufacturing, with a focus on greater participation from private companies, MSMEs, startups and academic institutions. Discussions also covered emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, drones, cyber and space capabilities, electronic warfare and advanced communications.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior civil and military officials attended the meeting.
(PIB)
