India must become global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing: Rajnath Singh
New Delhi, March 19. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for a mission-mode push to transform India into a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing, stressing that self-reliance in this critical sector is essential for strategic autonomy and national security amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day National Defence Industries Conclave at the Manekshaw Centre here on March 19, Singh underscored the urgent need to develop a robust domestic drone production ecosystem. The conclave, organised by the Department of Defence Production, focused on the theme ‘Advanced Manufacturing Technologies’.
Citing ongoing global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine War and tensions in West Asia, Singh said drones and counter-drone systems are set to play a decisive role in future warfare. He emphasised that India must achieve self-reliance not only in finished drone systems but also in critical components such as software, engines, batteries and materials – areas where many countries currently depend heavily on imports, particularly from China.
The Defence Minister highlighted the importance of collaboration between large industries, MSMEs, startups and innovators, backed by strong policy support. He assured full government backing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to position India as a global leader in drone manufacturing.
During the event, Singh launched the 14th edition of the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC-14) and the fourth edition of ADITI challenges under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework. A total of 107 problem statements were unveiled, sourced from the armed forces, Indian Coast Guard and the Defence Space Agency, aimed at fostering cutting-edge defence innovations.
Additionally, a new initiative featuring 101 innovation challenges from defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) was introduced to promote design-led innovation among MSMEs and startups. These challenges will be supported through funding, mentorship, testing facilities and opportunities for integration into defence supply chains.
Singh described iDEX and ADITI as transformative programmes that have significantly strengthened India’s defence innovation ecosystem. Since iDEX’s launch in 2018, around 676 startups and innovators have joined the ecosystem, leading to the signing of over 500 contracts and the development of multiple prototypes, some of which have already been cleared for procurement.
He also stressed the growing role of MSMEs in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing, urging them to adopt Industry 4.0 practices. Highlighting concepts like ‘Digital Twins’, Singh said such technologies enable better understanding of complex systems and more informed decision-making.
The Minister called for both horizontal and vertical integration of MSMEs – encouraging collaboration among themselves as well as partnerships with large industries – to build a strong and sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Singh further outlined government efforts to strengthen MSMEs through policy measures focused on equity, liquidity and professional support, as announced in the Union Budget. He noted that the number of MSMEs in India has grown significantly over the past decade, reflecting a rising entrepreneurial spirit and their increasing contribution to economic growth.
Encouraging startups to innovate and scale, he expressed confidence that many would emerge as future unicorns, playing a key role in achieving the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and a developed India.
Speaking at the conclave, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar said the event aims to integrate MSMEs across the defence value chain – from design to manufacturing – while the newly launched problem statements would provide opportunities for innovators to develop advanced solutions.
He also highlighted reforms undertaken by the ministry in 2025 to streamline approvals, strengthen quality processes and enhance access to testing facilities of DPSUs and DRDO. A digital database, ‘Srijan Deep’, listing over 40,000 defence-related industries has also been created to boost research and development.
On the occasion, Singh released five publications aimed at promoting self-reliance, boosting defence exports and improving ease of doing business in the sector. He also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing participation from leading domestic and international companies displaying advanced technologies including AI, robotics and smart materials.
The event was attended by senior military and defence officials, including Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Naval Chief Dinesh K Tripathi, and Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi, among others.
