India is not only making fighter jets and missile planes, but also preparing itself for new-age technology warfare: Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri at CII Annual Business Summit 2025
Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, lauding the theme ‘Building Trust – India First’ as simple in words yet profound in meaning. He underscored that trust is not merely a technical term but an emotion, an experiential thread that weaves through personal interactions and international diplomacy alike.
In an era where long-standing global partnerships are fraying and new relationships are emerging, the Raksha Mantri stressed that trust remains a cornerstone for stability. He highlighted India’s journey in fostering trust among its diverse regions, communities, and economic segments, noting that such inclusive efforts have resulted in unprecedented national cohesion and progress. Shri Rajnath Singh outlined key transformational initiatives that exemplify this trust, particularly from an economic and governance standpoint. He emphasized the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a hallmark of cooperative federalism that binds the country through economic integration and fiscal trust. Similarly, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was cited as a revolutionary financial innovation that enhances accessibility and transparency in the economy.
Commending the private sector and Indian industry, Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the nation for becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He highlighted India’s resilient economic fundamentals, driven by private consumption, expanding manufacturing capacities, and robust infrastructure development, that enable the country to navigate global disruptions effectively.
Focusing on the defence sector, the Raksha Mantri noted its pivotal contribution to India's economic and strategic rise. Over the past decade, India’s defence production has grown from INR 43,000 crore to approximately IN 1,46,000 crores, with the private sector contributing over INR 32,000 crore. Defence exports also have risen significantly, from less than INR 1,000 crore a decade ago to over INR 24,000 crore today. Indian-made systems, sub-systems, and services are now being exported to over 100 countries.
Make in India is crucial to national security, said Shri Rajnath Singh. He highlighted that India is not only a producer of defence products but a significant exporter too. The success of Operation Sindoor showcases the excellence of home-grown technologies, including those based on Artificial Intelligence and cyber defence technologies. India is working on fifth generation fighter jets, the Minister informed. He acknowledged the MSMEs for playing a significant role in the supply chain and in creating employment opportunities.
Mr. Baba Kalyani, Founder President, SIDM and Chairman, Bharat Forge, praised the Minister’s leadership, stating: Operation Sindoor is a defining moment that reinforces India’s status as a technologically advanced and self-reliant military power. It also reflects the growing maturity of our indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. He also urged the industry to scale production capabilities and reinforce trust in Indian design and innovation.
Mr. Sanjiv Puri, President, CII and CMD, ITC ltd echoed similar sentiments:
“Operation Sindoor exemplifies India’s strategic maturity and advanced preparedness. The Indian industry deeply appreciates the government’s calm and astute handling of recent challenges.”
Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, thanked Shri Rajnath Singh for his leadership in reinforcing national security and enabling a strong and self-reliant defence industrial base. CII and the Indian Industry is saluting the efforts of India’s military, Mr Banerjee added.
Shri Rajnath Singh; Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, Chief of the Naval Staff; Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Air Staff and Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Vice Chief of the Army Staff were felicitated by President, CII; the President, SIDM and by Director General, CII.
29 May 2025
New Delhi