Govt Credits Operation Sindoor Success to Homegrown Defence Capabilities at North Tech Symposium 2026

Highlighting the economic dimension of defence innovation, the Raksha Rajya Mantri described MSMEs as the backbone of the Indian economy and start-ups as the brand ambassadors of New India.

In a strong endorsement of India's growing defence self-reliance, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth on Tuesday credited the success of Operation Sindoor to the unmatched courage of Indian armed forces, significantly reinforced by indigenously developed cutting-edge weapons and systems. Addressing the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, he underscored that India's military strength is increasingly being built within its own industrial ecosystem.

"India's military might is forged in the factories of our defence industries," he said, highlighting how the synergy between armed forces, public sector undertakings, private industry, start-ups, and MSMEs has transformed the country's defence preparedness.

Operation Sindoor Showcases Power of Indigenous Defence

Shri Seth lauded the armed forces for successfully neutralising terror infrastructure during Operation Sindoor, stating that the mission demonstrated India's operational precision and technological advancement. He emphasised that the effective deployment of Made-in-India systems reflects a unified national resolve to achieve Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.

The remarks come amid a steady rise in India's indigenous defence production, which has crossed record levels in recent years, alongside growing exports to over 80 countries—positioning India as an emerging global defence manufacturing hub.

MSMEs and Start-ups Driving Future Growth

Highlighting the economic dimension of defence innovation, the Raksha Rajya Mantri described MSMEs as the backbone of the Indian economy and start-ups as the brand ambassadors of New India. He noted that these sectors are central to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat by 2047'.

"Our start-ups and MSMEs are the driving force for future growth… They are the Vishwakarmas of our age," he said, calling for deeper industry participation in defence manufacturing and innovation.

India's defence ecosystem has seen a surge in start-up involvement through initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), which has supported hundreds of innovators working on next-generation technologies such as drones, AI-enabled systems, and cyber defence tools.

'New India' Assertive Yet Responsible

Shri Seth asserted that rising defence production and export figures reflect the emergence of a confident and capable "New India." He stated that while India remains committed to peace, it will not hesitate to act decisively against threats to its sovereignty.

"This New India does not cast an evil eye on anyone, nor does it look the other way if someone tries to threaten its sovereignty," he remarked.

Call for Innovation Amid Rapid Technological Change

Acknowledging the fast-evolving nature of modern warfare, the Minister urged defence manufacturers and innovators to stay ahead of the technological curve. He cautioned that technologies can quickly become obsolete and stressed the need for continuous innovation, research, and forward-thinking strategies.

The government, he assured, remains fully committed to supporting innovation and strengthening the defence ecosystem through policy reforms, funding support, and infrastructure development.

Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor in Focus

Shri Seth also highlighted the transformative impact of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, which has emerged as a key hub for defence manufacturing and investment. He encouraged industry stakeholders to leverage this platform to scale up production and innovation.

Armed Forces Call for Industry Collaboration

Speaking at the event, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, called for closer collaboration between the armed forces and industry to address evolving operational requirements.

He emphasised that self-reliance in defence would lead to strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, and operational flexibility, making the Indian Army a future-ready force.

North Tech Symposium 2026: Convergence of Technology and Defence

The three-day North Tech Symposium 2026, organised by the Indian Army's Northern and Central Commands in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), is being held under the theme:'Raksha Triveni Sangam – Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge.'

The event, inaugurated by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh on May 4, features 284 exhibition stalls from private defence manufacturers and showcases a wide array of advanced technologies. These include:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones

• Counter-UAV systems

• All-terrain vehicles

• Advanced surveillance and reconnaissance equipment

• Next-generation combat support technologies

Live demonstrations and interactive sessions are providing a platform for collaboration between the armed forces, industry leaders, start-ups, and academia.

Senior military officials including Lt Gen Pratik Sharma (Northern Command) and Lt Gen V Hariharan (1 Corps), along with SIDM President Shri Arun T Ramchandani and key industry stakeholders, attended the symposium.

Building a Future-Ready Defence Ecosystem

The discussions at the symposium reflect India's broader strategic shift toward building a self-reliant, innovation-driven, and globally competitive defence sector. With increasing integration of technology, industry participation, and military requirements, India is steadily moving toward becoming a major defence manufacturing and export powerhouse.