The North News
New Delhi, October 16
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that “Operation Sindoor” stands as a powerful example of India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities, a result of sustained government efforts to build a self-reliant military manufacturing ecosystem. Addressing students at the convocation of Symbiosis Skills and Professional University in Pune, the Defence Minister underlined the role of faith and perseverance in achieving national goals. “When we began the mission of making India self-reliant in defence, it appeared daunting. But under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, we left no stone unturned to strengthen domestic defence production. Our resolve is now showing visible results,” he said.
Rajnath Singh said that India had long relied on foreign countries for weapons procurement due to lack of political will and enabling laws. “The world saw the courage of our soldiers during Operation Sindoor, when they accomplished their mission using a large amount of Made-in-India equipment,” he said.
He highlighted that annual defence production had grown from ₹46,000 crore a decade ago to ₹1.5 lakh crore today, with nearly ₹33,000 crore coming from the private sector. The government aims to reach ₹3 lakh crore in defence manufacturing and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029, Rajnath Singh added.
Encouraging students to move beyond academic milestones, the Defence Minister urged them to become creators and innovators. “True success lies not just in earning degrees, but in applying knowledge meaningfully for the benefit of society,” he said. Stressing the importance of skills, Rajnath Singh remarked, “We are no longer in the era of ‘What do you know?’ The world now asks, ‘What can you do?’ Knowledge without application is incomplete. Skill is the bridge between learning and doing.”
He also addressed concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI), saying it would not replace humans but empower those who use it. “Technology must remain a tool, not a substitute for human values and ethics,” Defence Minister said, cautioning young people against the pressures of social media and urging them to follow their own paths.
