‘Anything Can Happen Anytime’: Rajnath Singh Urges Constant Readiness Amid Global Tensions

New Delhi, October 27, 2025 — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday called upon the armed forces and defence industry to remain in a constant state of preparedness, cautioning that India must always be ready for “war-like situations.”

Citing the recent Operation Sindoor, a four-day border conflict with Pakistan in May, Singh said the episode should serve as a “wake-up call” and a “case study” in national security readiness.

Speaking at the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Annual Session 2025, the Defence Minister remarked:

“Operation Sindoor has once again shown us that anything can happen along our borders anywhere at any time. We must always stay prepared both mentally and materially for any eventuality.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Singh emphasised that the swift and decisive Indian response during the conflict demonstrated not only the strength of the armed forces but also the growing power of indigenous defence systems. He highlighted the successful deployment of systems such as the Akash missile, BrahMos, and AkashTeer Air Defence Control System, calling them “symbols of India’s technological self-reliance.”

“This was a victory not just for our soldiers but also for our ‘industry warriors’ — the engineers, innovators and manufacturers who form the backbone of India’s defence capability,” Singh said.

Push for Self-Reliance in Defence Production

The minister reiterated the government’s vision of making India a global hub for defence manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.He revealed that India’s defence production value had increased from around ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.51 lakh crore in 2025 with the private sector now contributing nearly ₹33,000 crore. Defence exports, Singh noted, have surged from less than ₹1,000 crore a decade ago to nearly ₹24,000 crore and are expected to reach ₹30,000 crore by 2026.

“Our objective should not end with assembling imported equipment. We must build a genuine manufacturing ecosystem ensuring that every technology transfer strengthens our domestic industries,” he asserted.

Innovation and Strategic Awareness

Highlighting ongoing national programs such as the National Quantum Mission, Atal Innovation Mission, and the National Research Foundation, Singh urged Indian industries to expand innovation in components and subsystems.He encouraged defence manufacturers to adopt the philosophy of ‘Our soil, our shield’ ensuring that the nation’s safety relies on indigenous technology.

Warning against growing geopolitical instability, Singh added:

“The established world order is weakening and new conflict zones are emerging globally. In such a scenario India must continuously redefine its security strategy and stay ready for any situation.”

A Message of Vigilance and Unity

Rajnath Singh’s remarks underline a broader theme of strategic vigilance — that national preparedness is not an option but an obligation. By stressing indigenous innovation and continuous introspection, the Defence Minister sent a clear message: India’s defence readiness depends equally on its soldiers, scientists and industrial leaders.