New Delhi, Oct 15: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said any terrorist act originating from Pakistan would invite an even stronger response from India, asserting that Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and surgical strikes marked a shift from diplomatic condemnation to proactive action against terrorism.
Addressing a Defence Conclave in New Delhi, Singh said India remained committed to peace but its commitment should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Our commitment to peace remains steadfast, yet we are fully prepared to confront any challenge,” he said, adding that India was determined to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
Singh said the three military operations symbolised India’s approach of targeting the sources of terrorism rather than limiting its response to diplomatic condemnation.
He also claimed that since 2014, the “shelf life” of most terrorists had fallen to less than a year, with security forces neutralising them within a year of taking up arms against India.
Highlighting the changing security landscape, the Defence Minister warned of emerging threats, including lone-wolf attacks and what he described as “white-collar terrorism”.
He said terrorism was evolving beyond organised groups, making it increasingly difficult for security agencies to identify radicalised individuals and prevent potential attacks.
Singh also referred to the recent incident involving a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash a passenger aircraft and Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, who risked his life to avert a major disaster.
He said the incident highlighted the threat posed by lone-wolf attackers and underscored the importance of alert and responsible citizens in preventing terrorist plots.
“The fight against terrorism requires not only the capabilities of security agencies but also the active participation of aware and responsible citizens,” he said.
Singh described the emerging security environment as one characterised by hybrid, high-tech and hyper warfare. He identified what he termed the “5D Security Threat” — disinformation, destabilisation, disruption, deception and destruction — and called for greater vigilance and preparedness.
On defence preparedness, the minister called for a “smart power” approach that combines advanced weaponry, artificial intelligence, human intelligence and cost-effective technologies to address evolving security challenges.
He said India needed to integrate precision-guided weapons and loitering munitions with affordable, agile and adaptable systems to strengthen its defence capabilities.
Singh attributed India’s growing defence capabilities to reforms undertaken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the government had shifted its focus from meeting immediate military requirements to building a self-reliant and future-ready defence ecosystem.
He said defence production had increased to a record level of over Rs 1.78 lakh crore from around Rs 40,000 crore in 2014, while defence exports had risen to an all-time high of Rs 39,000 crore from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14.
Indian defence products, he said, were now reaching nearly 100 countries.
The minister expressed confidence that India would achieve defence production worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the current year and Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029, while targeting defence exports worth Rs 50,000 crore by the same year.
Emphasising domestic manufacturing, Singh said more than 500 companies were engaged in the defence sector, while over 16,000 micro, small and medium enterprises were contributing to the country’s defence industrial ecosystem.
He said the government had earmarked 75 per cent of the defence modernisation budget for procurement from Indian industries and highlighted initiatives to promote indigenous defence equipment and technology.
Singh also highlighted the role of start-ups and young innovators in developing drones, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity and robotics.
He said the Ministry of Defence had approved procurement of goods and services worth over Rs 2,400 crore from start-ups and MSMEs and sanctioned projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore for developing new technologies.
The minister said India was steadily progressing towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, with 159 of the 175 ammunition variants used by the armed forces now being produced domestically.
Singh concluded by expressing confidence that India would emerge as a developed nation by the centenary of its independence and provide global leadership in technology, the economy and defence.
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