Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the need to phase out Chinese components in drones and build a domestic manufacturing ecosystem that makes India fully self-reliant. Speaking at the National Defence Industries Conclave 2026, he said self-reliance must extend beyond finished products to critical components such as moulds, software, engines and batteries.
Singh noted the challenge: in many countries where drones are made, key parts are still imported from China. For India’s defence preparedness and strategic autonomy, he said, achieving complete self-sufficiency in drone manufacturing is imperative.
Recent conflicts have underscored the central role drones and counter-drone technologies will play in future warfare. Indigenous production, he added, is essential for strategic autonomy and readiness.
The minister addressed MSMEs, start-ups, winners of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs), private defence firms, innovators, policymakers and academia. The event, organised by the Department of Defence Production, carried the theme “Advanced Manufacturing Technologies.”
Singh also launched a new initiative showcasing DPSU-led innovation to promote design-driven work by MSMEs and start-ups. Under the programme, DPSUs will fund winning projects and offer mentorship, testing facilities and potential integration into their supply chains.
