Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday underscored the growing importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, stating that the sector has become a crucial pillar in the country’s journey towards self-reliance and technological advancement.
Addressing the National Defence Industries Conclave in New Delhi, the Defence Minister highlighted the significant contributions being made by local entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovators in enhancing India’s defence ecosystem. He noted that MSMEs are increasingly playing a vital role in developing advanced technologies and boosting the country’s economic growth.
“MSMEs are emerging as an important pillar of India’s defence manufacturing sector. Their participation is helping the nation strengthen its technological capabilities while contributing meaningfully to economic development,” Singh said.
The Minister pointed out that several MSMEs are actively engaged in cutting-edge domains such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, robotics and other emerging technologies. According to him, these innovations are not only transforming the defence sector but also positioning India as a competitive player in the global technology landscape.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to encourage innovation, Singh referred to the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) platform, which has been designed to connect start-ups, innovators and MSMEs with the armed forces. He said the initiative provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop practical and indigenous solutions for defence requirements.
“The iDEX platform is enabling innovators and start-ups to contribute directly to the nation’s defence preparedness. It is creating a strong bridge between the armed forces and the innovation ecosystem,” he remarked.
The Defence Minister also spoke about the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies (ADITI) scheme, describing it as a major step towards fostering collaboration between industry, research institutions and start-ups. The initiative, he said, is aimed at promoting the development of next-generation defence technologies and accelerating indigenous innovation.
Emphasising the importance of collaboration, Singh noted that the integration of MSMEs into large-scale defence projects is essential for achieving faster technological progress. He stressed that small and medium enterprises often bring agility, creativity and specialized expertise, making them valuable partners in complex defence programmes.
“MSMEs form the backbone of the Indian economy. Their inclusion in major defence projects will help accelerate innovation and strengthen the country’s manufacturing capabilities,” he said.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a robust and inclusive defence industrial ecosystem where MSMEs, start-ups and young innovators can thrive. He said policy initiatives undertaken in recent years have opened new avenues for private sector participation and have encouraged indigenous production across the defence value chain.
Singh further highlighted the strategic importance of self-reliance in critical defence technologies. In particular, he stressed the need for India to achieve greater independence in drone manufacturing, considering the increasing role of unmanned systems in modern warfare and national security operations.
“For ensuring India’s preparedness and strategic autonomy, it is imperative that the country becomes self-reliant in drone manufacturing,” he stated.
The Defence Minister’s remarks come at a time when the government is actively promoting the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision in the defence sector. Through initiatives such as iDEX, ADITI and increased support for domestic manufacturers, India has been seeking to reduce dependence on imports while building a strong indigenous defence production base.
Industry experts at the conclave echoed the Minister’s views, emphasizing that greater participation of MSMEs and start-ups will be critical for driving innovation, generating employment and enhancing India’s defence exports. They noted that collaborative efforts between government agencies, industry players and research institutions will be key to achieving long-term growth and technological leadership in the sector.
With innovation-driven enterprises increasingly contributing to defence development, MSMEs are expected to play an even greater role in shaping the future of India’s defence capabilities and strengthening national security.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
