India aims for defence self-reliance, says secretary

India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said achieving technological sovereignty through indigenous defence manufacturing is key to long-term military strength. The government reserves 75% of defence capital procurement for domestic purchases and has boosted industrial licences from 250 to over 800. DRDO allocates 25% of R&D budget to industry and startups. Singh identified drones, missiles, and shipbuilding as growth areas, expecting private sector share to reach 50% of production and exports to continue rising.