Any Future Terror Attack Originating from Pakistan Will Invite Stronger Response: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
New Delhi:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asserted that any future terrorist attack originating from Pakistan would invite an even stronger response from India, emphasising that the country’s commitment to peace should never be mistaken for weakness.
Addressing a Defence Conclave in New Delhi on October 15, he said Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and surgical strikes reflected a decisive shift in India’s approach to terrorism, from diplomatic condemnation to proactive military action aimed at eliminating terrorism at its source.
The Defence Minister said India believed in dialogue, coexistence and the peaceful resolution of disputes, but remained fully prepared to confront security challenges and protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
He also highlighted the changing security landscape, warning that terrorism was evolving beyond organised groups and increasingly involved lone-wolf attacks and what he described as “white-collar terrorism”. He called for heightened vigilance among citizens and security agencies to identify emerging threats and prevent potential attacks.
Singh referred to the concept of a “5D Security Threat”, comprising disinformation, destabilisation, disruption, deception and destruction. He said these threats had become increasingly complex in the digital age, requiring stronger preparedness and coordination.
Citing a recent incident involving a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash a passenger aircraft, Singh highlighted the role of Captain Smit Machhar, who reportedly risked his life to avert a major tragedy. He said the incident demonstrated how the alertness and courage of an individual could foil a potential terrorist plot.
The Defence Minister stressed that counterterrorism efforts required not only capable security agencies but also the active participation of alert and responsible citizens.
Call for Smart Power and Modern Defence Technologies
Emphasising the need to strengthen India’s military preparedness, Singh called for a “smart power” approach combining advanced weaponry, artificial intelligence, human intelligence and cost-effective defence technologies.
He said modern defence strategies must integrate precision-guided weapons and loitering munitions with affordable, agile and adaptable systems to address emerging security challenges.
Singh attributed India’s growing defence capabilities to reforms, changes in operational methods and a transformed mindset under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He said the government had shifted its focus from meeting immediate military requirements to building a self-reliant and future-ready defence ecosystem.
Highlighting the expansion of domestic defence manufacturing, he said more than 500 companies were now engaged in the sector, supported by reforms in licensing regulations and improvements in the ease of doing business.
Defence Production and Exports Reach New Heights
The Defence Minister said India’s defence production had increased to a record level of more than Rs 1.78 lakh crore, compared with Rs 40,000 crore in 2014. Defence exports had also reached an all-time high of Rs 39,000 crore, up from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14, with Indian defence products reaching nearly 100 countries.
He expressed confidence that India would achieve defence production worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the current year and Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029. The government also aims to increase defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.
Singh said 75 per cent of the defence modernisation budget had been earmarked for procurement from Indian industries, reflecting the government’s emphasis on domestic manufacturing. The Defence Acquisition Procedure and the Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured category were helping strengthen indigenous capabilities.
He also highlighted the growing contribution of start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), private industries and individual innovators to the country’s defence sector.
Focus on Innovation and Self-Reliance
Singh said initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), iDEX Prime and the ADITI scheme were creating opportunities for start-ups and young innovators to develop advanced defence technologies.
According to him, the Ministry of Defence had approved procurement of goods and services worth more than Rs 2,400 crore from start-ups and MSMEs and sanctioned projects exceeding Rs 1,500 crore for new technology development.
As of March 2026, iDEX had engaged 676 start-ups and innovators and facilitated 551 contracts. India’s defence start-up ecosystem had expanded from a few dozen enterprises in 2018 to more than 2,000, with companies working in drones, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity and robotics.
The Defence Minister also said 3,255 of the 5,012 items identified by Defence Public Sector Undertakings for indigenisation had been indigenised. In addition, 159 of the 175 ammunition variants used by the armed forces were being manufactured domestically.
He highlighted the growing role of more than 16,000 MSMEs in the defence industrial ecosystem and said cooperation between public and private enterprises was strengthening national security.
Concluding his address, Singh expressed confidence that India would emerge as a developed nation by the centenary of its independence in 2047, providing global leadership in technology, the economy and defence.
