India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Monday that the nation’s defense exports have climbed to $2.8 billion in the 2023-24 financial year, with ammunition production now at 88% self-sufficiency. Speaking at the 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi, Singh highlighted the government’s ambitious goal of reaching $6 billion in defense exports by 2029.
During his address, he urged institutions like IIT Mandi to take the lead in technological advancements critical to national security. He emphasized the growing importance of artificial intelligence in warfare, cybersecurity measures, indigenous AI chip manufacturing, and quantum technology. Encouraging innovation, he called upon researchers to explore these fields to strengthen India’s defense capabilities.
Singh also motivated students to embrace technological advancements through his IIT mantra—Initiate, Improve, and Transform—aligning with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He stressed the need for AI-driven war strategies, locally manufactured AI chips, and enhanced cybersecurity measures, including firewalls to counter digital threats.
Discussing India’s technological progress, Singh projected that the sector would reach a valuation of $300-350 billion within the next five years. He urged young innovators to lead advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital technology, rather than merely following global trends.
Recognizing the contributions of IIT Mandi researchers, Singh praised their work in robotics, drone technology, and AR-VR applications, foreseeing their potential to drive further innovations in cutting-edge technology.
Highlighting India’s digital transformation, he pointed out that the country’s telecommunications sector is the second-largest globally and that the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has set new global standards in digital transactions. Singh’s speech reinforced India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense and emerging technologies, ensuring a future where innovation drives both economic and national security growth.
