Op Sindoor was testament to India's defence readiness: Rajnath Singh

Published 18 July 2026 · local

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's "world-class" defence preparedness, attributing its success to the Centre's sustained push for military modernisation and indigenous defence production. Addressing an event in New Delhi, Singh described Operation Sindoor as a testament to the capability and valour of the Indian armed forces, saying they delivered a "befitting reply" to terrorists and their supporters. Read Full Story According to Singh, indigenous systems including the Akash Teer air defence system, Akash missile system and BrahMos missile were effectively deployed during the operation alongside other advanced military equipment. "Advanced systems such as Akash Teer, Akash missile system and BrahMos were effectively used during the operation alongside various other state-of-the-art equipment.

This is due to the foundation laid over the past 12 years," the Defence Minister said. Highlighting the government's efforts to boost self-reliance in defence, Singh said five positive indigenisation lists issued by the armed forces now cover 509 defence items, while five additional lists issued by Defence Public Sector Undertakings include 5,012 items. "As we move forward with determination and a systematic approach towards building a self-reliant and empowered defence sector, another Positive Indigenisation List will soon be notified to further accelerate this vision," the Minister said. He also pointed out that India's annual defence production had reached a record high in 2025-26, compared to what it was in 2014.

"Our annual defence production reached a record high of approximately Rs 1.78 lakh crore in Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 from Rs 40,000 crore around 2014. Our defence production target is to surpass the figure of Rs 2 lakh crore this year and Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029. Our goal is to ensure that defence exports reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. Given the current pace of progress, I am confident that we will succeed in achieving the targets," Singh said. The Defence Minister also said that India was emerging not only as a defence manufacturer for its own requirements but also as a credible global security partner with an expanding role across the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, Singh said the engagements had strengthened India's diplomatic, strategic and economic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. "PM Modi's visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand has elevated India's diplomatic, economic, strategic, and cultural ties to new heights in the vital Indo-Pacific region, ranging from cooperation on BrahMos Missile System and restoration of the Prambanan Temple in Indonesia to uranium supplies from Australia and the doubling of trade with New Zealand," he said. Ends