Government targets ₹3 lakh crore in domestic defence production by 2029: Rajnath Singh

The government aims to expand the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem to ₹3 lakh crore and defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday (October 16, 2025), while acknowledging Pune’s contribution to the defence sector.

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Highlighting the link between skill development, indigenous equipment, and private sector participation, Mr. Singh said the private sector was playing a vital role in making India a defence manufacturing hub.

“In the last decade, annual defence production has increased to ₹1.5 lakh crore from ₹46,000 crore. The private sector contributed ₹33,000 crore,” Mr. Singh said.

Praising Operation Sindoor, he described it as “a live example of our self-reliance goal”, noting that Made-in-India equipment was used in the mission. Addressing students at the convocation ceremony of Symbiosis Skills and Professional University in Maharashtra’s Pune district, the Defence Minister underlined the need for India to become self-reliant in defence manufacturing to transform the country into an arms powerhouse.

Referring to India’s reliance on foreign countries for arms after Independence, Mr. Singh said the country then “lacked political will”. “Neither were there laws to promote defence production, nor were youth motivated to contribute to the country’s self-reliance goal. We broke that norm and now our efforts are showing a positive impact,” he said.

“Pune is known for its defence importance in the country and the world. The Southern Command headquarters is here. Many defence establishments are located here. Pune is a confluence of tradition and technology,” he said.

Mr. Singh, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also inaugurated the new School of Defence and Aerospace Technology.

Calling Pune and Maharashtra major centres of “cultural consciousness, education, and nationalism”, Mr. Singh underscored the importance of skill development. “The world is changing and only skill can help sustain in an uncertain world,” he said.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, 1.63 crore students have received skill enhancement training, Mr. Singh noted. “Thirty lakh members from rural, tribal, and marginalised communities were trained in tailoring, embroidery, handicraft, and healthcare assistance. Over 22 lakh traditional artisans and craftsmen were provided modern tools and certification under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana,” he added.