Rajnath Singh calls for research push and ‘element of surprise’ to keep India future-ready at North Tech Symposium
Prayagraj, May 4. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 4 stressed the need for sustained investment in research and the cultivation of strategic surprise to ensure India remains prepared for the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the three-day North Tech Symposium in Prayagraj, organised by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
Addressing defence personnel, industry leaders, innovators, start-ups and academic representatives, Singh pointed to the sweeping technological changes transforming battlefields across the world. Citing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he noted how warfare shifted from conventional tanks and missiles to drones and sensor-driven operations within just a few years. He also referred to recent pager-based attacks in Lebanon and Syria as examples of how everyday objects are being weaponised, underscoring the unpredictability of contemporary conflicts.
The Defence Minister said India must adopt a proactive approach to develop capabilities that can deliver unexpected blows to adversaries if required.
“History shows that the side with the element of surprise often holds the decisive edge,” he remarked, adding that while the armed forces are moving in that direction, greater proactivity is essential.
Emphasising adaptability, Singh said nations that quickly align with technological revolutions will dominate future battlefields. He underlined that laboratories today are shaping the way wars will be fought tomorrow and asserted that there is no substitute for research in the present era.
Highlighting government efforts, he said defence research has been placed at the centre of national priorities through the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which is increasingly partnering with industry. As part of this push, 25 percent of the defence R&D budget has been earmarked for industry, academia and start-ups, with over ₹4,500 crore already utilised by these sectors.
Singh also pointed to a revamped Transfer of Technology policy that waives the earlier 20 percent fee for development and production partners, enabling wider industry participation. So far, DRDO has transferred more than 2,200 technologies to industry. He added that Indian companies have been granted free access to DRDO patents and that testing facilities are being opened to them on a payment basis to support innovation.
The Defence Minister urged industry to focus on emerging areas such as directed energy weapons, hypersonic systems, underwater domain awareness, space situational awareness, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, assuring full government support.
Referring to Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India’s technological preparedness, Singh said indigenous systems such as the Akashteer, Akash missile system, and BrahMos were effectively deployed, showcasing the armed forces’ capabilities.
He highlighted flagship initiatives including the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), ADITI and the Technology Development Fund as key drivers of private sector participation. He also cited infrastructure initiatives in Uttar Pradesh, particularly the Defence Industrial Corridor, as contributors to strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Singh noted that domestic defence production touched a record ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, while exports reached an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore. He said this upward trajectory is set to accelerate further, with private industry playing a major role. Recalling his recent visit to Germany, he said foreign firms are keen to partner with Indian defence companies, reflecting India’s rising stature in the global defence market.
Describing the symposium’s theme, ‘Raksha Triveni Sangam: Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge’, as a step towards deeper collaboration, Singh proposed the creation of a knowledge corridor to enable stakeholders to share expertise across emerging domains.
Senior military leaders also addressed the gathering. Central Command GOC-in-C Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta said the symposium provides a platform to develop indigenous solutions to operational challenges under the guiding principles of jointness, self-reliance and innovation. Northern Command GOC-in-C Lt Gen Pratik Sharma highlighted the importance of capabilities such as unmanned aerial systems, counter-UAS, AI-enabled decision tools, precision strike and advanced artillery in light of recent conflicts.
The event was attended by Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, SIDM President Arun T Ramchandani, Prof Ramakrishnan S of IIT Madras, and Uttar Pradesh Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, among others.
During the symposium, stakeholders will deliberate on Problem Definition Statements prepared by the Northern and Central Commands to identify technological gaps and operational requirements. Eight focus teams have been constituted to engage with troops, industry and academia to translate ideas into deployable capabilities.
An exhibition featuring indigenous solutions from MSMEs, defence technology firms, start-ups and uniformed innovators is also part of the event, with 284 companies showcasing their latest technologies.
