New Delhi, June 19
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that conventional warfare remains as relevant today as it was at the time of India’s independence, underlining the importance of a strong domestic defence manufacturing base in an increasingly uncertain world. Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a 10,000-tonne aluminium extrusion press at Yantra India Limited in Nagpur on Friday, Singh said countries must be prepared to meet critical requirements from within their own borders, particularly during times of conflict.
The new facility is expected to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities by reducing dependence on imported aluminium components used in military equipment and strategic systems.
Highlighting lessons from global conflicts, Singh said supply chains often face disruptions during wars and geopolitical crises making self-reliance a strategic necessity rather than just an economic goal.
“When a conflict breaks out, nations cannot always rely on external sources for critical supplies,” he said. “A country that can fulfil its own needs moves forward with greater confidence.”
The defence minister argued that despite rapid technological advancements, conventional military capabilities continue to play a crucial role in national security. He said traditional defence infrastructure and military-industrial capabilities remain vital today and will continue to be important in the decades ahead.
Singh also pointed to India’s growing defence manufacturing sector, saying domestic defence production had increased significantly over the past decade. According to him, defence production reached more than Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, compared with around Rs 46,000 crore in 2014.
He added that defence exports had also seen a sharp rise, growing from about Rs 1,000 crore in 2014 to nearly Rs 40,000 crore.
The minister said these figures reflected India’s progress towards becoming a major defence manufacturing hub and a more self-reliant nation in matters of security and strategic capability.
