Operation Sindoor Showcases India's World-Class Defence Preparedness: Rajnath Singh
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 18 July 2026 highlighted that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's world-class defence preparedness, strengthened by the government's resolve of 'Nation First' and 'Armed Forces First'. He also announced record defence production and export figures, and outlined ambitious targets for 2029.
Background
Operation Sindoor is a recent military operation that showcased India's advanced defence capabilities. The government has been pushing for defence indigenisation and self-reliance through initiatives like positive indigenisation lists, Defence Industrial Corridors, and iDEX.
Key facts
Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's modern, advanced, and high-level defence preparedness.
The operation used advanced systems like Akash Teer, Akash missile system, and BrahMos.
Defence production in FY 2025-26 reached a record ~₹1.78 lakh crore, up from ₹40,000 crore in 2014.
Defence exports hit an all-time high of ₹38,000 crore in FY 2025-26, up from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14.
Target: Defence production of ₹2 lakh crore this year and ₹3 lakh crore by 2029.
Target: Defence exports of ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
Five positive indigenisation lists with 509 items have been issued; another list to be notified soon.
Defence PSUs have issued five lists with 5,012 items for indigenisation.
Over ₹2,400 crore procurement approved from startups and MSMEs; ₹1,500 crore projects for new technologies.
iDEX has onboarded 676 startups and innovators; 551 contracts signed.
Prelims pointers
- Operation Sindoor
- Akash Teer, Akash missile system, BrahMos
- Positive Indigenisation Lists (5 lists, 509 items)
- Defence Industrial Corridors: Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
- iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)
- Defence production target: ₹2 lakh crore (2026-27), ₹3 lakh crore (2029)
- Defence export target: ₹50,000 crore by 2029
- FY 2025-26 defence production: ~₹1.78 lakh crore
- FY 2025-26 defence exports: ₹38,000 crore
- Zero tolerance policy against terrorism
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of Operation Sindoor in showcasing India's defence preparedness and its impact on national security.
- Critically examine the government's initiatives to achieve self-reliance in defence production, including positive indigenisation lists and Defence Industrial Corridors.
- Evaluate the role of startups and MSMEs in defence innovation through iDEX and its contribution to 'Make in India'.
- Analyse the trends in India's defence production and exports since 2014, and assess the feasibility of achieving the 2029 targets.