Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday called for stronger domestic defence manufacturing and greater control over key technologies. Speaking at the Defence Summit 2026, he said India needs a self-reliant defence system to build strategic autonomy in a changing global security environment.Key HighlightsRajnath Singh stressed the need for more defence production in India.He said critical technologies are important for strategic autonomy.He linked self-reliance with the idea of “chips to ships”.AI, quantum technology and other new technologies are becoming important for future defence.India Needs More Domestic Defence ProductionRajnath Singh said India should make more defence items inside the country. This includes small parts as well as large and complex weapon systems.He explained that self-reliance does not only mean making weapons. It also means building the full supply chain needed for defence production.The Defence Minister said India should reduce its dependence on outside sources for important defence items. This can include components, electronics, machines and advanced technology.At the summit, Singh described the basic idea behind the government's Make in India approach as making products at home when they can be produced in the country.“From chips to ships, from screws to complete weapon systems, this will take India to strategic autonomy,” Rajnath Singh said.Focus on Critical TechnologiesSingh also stressed the need to control important technologies. Modern defence is not only about guns, aircraft and ships.It now also depends on software, artificial intelligence, sensors, space systems, cyber technology and advanced electronics.The NDTV Defence Summit included discussions on AI, drones, space and other new areas of defence technology. The summit also focused on how India can build its own capabilities while working with international partners.Singh said that major reforms have taken place to prepare India for future security challenges.From Chips to ShipsThe phrase “chips to ships” is being used to describe a wider push for domestic manufacturing. It covers high-tech products such as semiconductors and large industries such as shipbuilding.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also used the phrase earlier this month while speaking in Vadodara. He said India is building complete value chains within the country, from chips to ships.The government has also placed a strong focus on shipbuilding. In earlier announcements, it said a ₹70,000 crore package for the sector could support investment across steel, machinery, electronics and other industries.Defence Industry and New TechnologyIndia's defence industry includes government organisations, public sector companies and private firms. These groups are working on aircraft, ships, missiles, drones, electronics and other systems.The government has also increased focus on defence exports and domestic production. This has created more opportunities for Indian companies to work on defence technology.At the summit, discussions also covered future warfare. AI, autonomous systems, cyber tools and space technology are becoming more important in modern military operations.Strategic AutonomyStrategic autonomy means having enough domestic capability to make important decisions without being overly dependent on another country for critical supplies or technology.Rajnath Singh's message focused on building this capability through domestic manufacturing and technology development.The wider defence policy also continues to combine domestic production with international partnerships. The summit featured global defence and aerospace companies alongside Indian defence leaders and technology firms.For India, the focus on a self-reliant defence ecosystem means developing more skills, technology, manufacturing capacity and research within the country.The “chips to ships” approach therefore extends beyond making final defence products. It also covers the parts, technology and industrial systems needed to build them in India.Also Read : Rajnath Singh Clears DRDO Missile Technology Transfer to Indian Defence Firms
