Prayagraj, May 5 : Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday that in the last decade, India has transitioned from being a major importer of defence equipment to an emerging exporter, with defence production recording a 174 per cent leap to Rs 1.54 lakh crore while exports grew 34 times to Rs 23,622 crore.

The Minister said a substantial contribution of around Rs 15,000 crore to total exports came from the private sector, reflecting a major shift towards collaborative defence manufacturing.

Addressing the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, the minister said India has entered a decisive phase in its defence journey, where technology, indigenous innovation and private sector participation are shaping a new global identity for the country. Warfare is no longer defined by physical strength alone but increasingly driven by advanced technologies, real-time data systems and automated platforms.

Referring to Indiaâ??s expanding technological base, the minister said sectors such as space, atomic energy, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies are now integral to defence preparedness. India has already achieved rapid progress in quantum-secure communication capabilities, which will play a critical role in future warfare systems, he added.

Highlighting the increasing support from the government, the minister said that the budget for 2026-27 earmarks Rs 681,000 crore for defence, which is 9.5 per cent more than last year.

Dr Jitendra Singh said reforms in key sectors have opened new opportunities for industry participation, enabling faster innovation cycles and scaling of indigenous technologies. He added that government support through funding mechanisms and policy initiatives is creating a strong ecosystem for research, development and deployment.

Emphasising the importance of synergy, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the alignment of operational requirements of the Armed Forces with scientific research and industrial capability is essential for building a resilient and self-reliant defence ecosystem. He called for accelerated timelines from design to deployment, with focus on reliability, scalability and long-term sustainment.

The Minister also spoke about the evolving role of the Armed Forces, highlighting their critical contribution not only in national security but also in disaster response and humanitarian assistance, recalling recent instances where timely intervention saved lives.

The North Tech Symposium 2026 is being held in Prayagraj from May 4 to 6. The symposium serves as a premier platform bringing together the Armed Forces, industry, academia and start-ups to develop mission-oriented indigenous solutions for evolving operational requirements. Key focus areas include artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, counter-drone technologies, robotics, cyber and electronic warfare, communication systems, mobility platforms and high-altitude operational support. Over 280 industry partners are participating in the event.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that Indiaâ??s pursuit of self-reliance in defence is rooted in technological sovereignty, with a focus on developing, owning and sustaining critical technologies within the country. He expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between the Armed Forces, industry and research institutions will accelerate Indiaâ??s emergence as a leading defence technology nation.

/IANS