India's Defense Revolution: Rajnath Singh's 20-Year Blueprint for Self-Reliance

• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh projects India will be fully self-reliant in weapons within 15-20 years, ending dependence on foreign suppliers.
• India's defense production surged 174% from ₹46,000 crore (FY14-15) to ₹1.27 lakh crore (FY23-24), with 91% ammunition self-reliance.
• The nation is transitioning from a major arms importer to an exporter, with defense exports exceeding ₹21,083 crore in FY23-24, selling BrahMos and Pinaka systems.
• Key indigenous projects include AMCA, Project Kusha, Zorawar Light Tank, and Hypersonic Missiles, shifting focus to Absorption of Technology (AoT) and R&D.
• Challenges remain in engine technology and low R&D spending (0.7% of GDP), but defense corridors, import bans, and private sector involvement aim to boost self-reliance.

Why It Matters: India is rapidly transforming into a defense manufacturing powerhouse, aiming for complete self-reliance and global export leadership.