SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Defence
Speaking at the ‘Raksha Navachar Samvaad’-a national interaction platform with innovators under the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative-Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined India’s next phase of defence innovation reform. He said future warfare will hinge on AI, drones, autonomous systems, quantum computing, and directed-energy weapons, requiring a mindset shift “from dependence to confidence.” Domestic defence capital acquisitions have risen from ₹74,000 crore (FY 2021-22) to ₹1.2 lakh crore (FY 2024-25), and over 650 iDEX winners have been selected, generating ₹3,000 crore+ in prototype procurements. The forthcoming Defence Procurement Manual (DPM-2025) will introduce assured five-year order windows, while updates to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) will simplify trials and approvals. Singh urged startups to build India’s first defence unicorn, fusing technological innovation with strategic autonomy.
The Samvaad marks a strategic pivot in India’s defence procurement—from buyer dependence to innovation-led confidence—reinforcing the country’s industrial base and technological sovereignty.
What is iDEX / Defence Unicorn Push? → iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) is a government platform linking defence startups with the Armed Forces for prototype development and procurement. The “defence unicorn” push signals a call for high-value, scalable firms that advance Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
What institutional and financial mechanisms are needed to ensure India’s defence startups contribute meaningfully to strategic self-reliance rather than vendor substitution?
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