Overview
- He said self‑reliance is essential for long‑term strategic autonomy and described this as a decisive moment for the defence and industrial journey.
- The government reports issuing over 788 industrial licences to 462 companies, with defence exports reaching Rs 23,162 crore in 2025 for a near 35‑fold rise since 2014.
- Indigenous capability was highlighted through platforms such as the LCA Tejas, the Astra beyond‑visual‑range missile, Dhanush artillery guns and the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
- Under the Skill India Mission, agencies including NSDC and the Directorate General of Training are mapping defence‑aerospace skill needs, with Agniveers positioned for integration through NSQF‑aligned certification.
- The conclave in Chandigarh was organised by the Punjab government with SIDM and CII, as Punjab pitched its defence potential and noted it supplies over 12% of soldiers despite 2% of the population.