“Atmanirbharata is the only way, and we need to be future-ready,” says Air Chief Marshal A P Singh at CII Annual Summit
The current situation in the world has made us realise that Atmanirbharata is the only way, and we need to be future-ready. In the next 10 years, the Air Force will require more input from the industry, but we also need to act today and get into quick Make in India programs so that we can achieve the ‘Now Ready’ part of it, while ‘Design in India’ continues to progress in the near future,” said Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, during his address at the session titled “Harnessing Industry, Innovation and Partnerships: Delivering India’s Defence Vision” at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, held on May 29 at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi.
He further highlighted how technology is making significant advances in modern warfare, citing Operation Sindoor as a clear indicator of the future direction and requirements. The clearance of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for participation by private companies marks a significant milestone and demonstrates the government’s confidence in the private sector, paving the way for greater industry involvement in defence projects.
The session underscored the critical importance of strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem in alignment with the government’s vision of strategic autonomy and Atmanirbharta.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, noted, “India is, was, and will always be a maritime nation—not just by design or geography, but also by destiny in terms of our future growth. Today, India is realising its rich maritime potential, with apex-level decisions and policies reflecting this broader maritime renaissance.”
Addressing the larger strategic goals, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary highlighted the government’s ongoing reforms aimed at improving the defence manufacturing ecosystem, including faster licensing processes to accelerate industry growth. “India’s defence vision is intrinsically linked to Atmanirbharta, strategic autonomy, and the broader aspiration of a Viksit Bharat with expanded GDP contribution from defence manufacturing,” he stated.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman, DRDO, emphasized the role of private industry in driving indigenous research and development. “Operation Sindoor demonstrated the vital role of technology in future warfare. While manufacturing remains important, the focus must also be on designing and developing our own systems. We invite private industries to invest in R&D. DRDO will partner and collaborate closely to make India a global leader in defence innovation,” he said.
The session also witnessed the release of a comprehensive report titled “Atmanirbhar, Agrani, and Atulya Bharat 2047,” jointly prepared by CII and KPMG India. The report outlines a strategic roadmap to enhance India’s leadership in defence manufacturing, innovation, and exports over the next two decades.
Other distinguished panellists included Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff; Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President, Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM); and Arun Ramchandani, Chairman, CII National Committee on Defence, who all contributed insights on collaboration and innovation needed to realize India’s defence ambitions.
The two-day summit of the CII Annual Session will discuss various topics under the theme “Building Trust – India First,” including defence, innovation, sustainability, global competitiveness, and secure growth. Focusing on India’s role as a trusted and reliable global partner, the summit aims to strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and international stakeholders to drive inclusive and future-ready economic development.
29 May 2025
New Delhi