PoK is an integral part of India; Make-in-India Enabled Sindoor Success, says Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has credited India’s indigenous defence strength under the Make-in-India initiative for enabling the Armed Forces to take effective action during Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Image Source: RS on X

Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit in New Delhi today, he declared, “Make-in-India is an essential component in our national security,” adding that “we destroyed terrorist hideouts and military bases” through indigenous systems.

Singh unveiled the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme — a fifth-generation fighter jet project that, for the first time, includes significant private sector participation alongside public sector units. The model includes development of five prototypes followed by series production.

Calling it a “bold and decisive step,” he said it would elevate India’s aerospace sector and deepen the role of the domestic industry in major defence manufacturing.

The Minister also confirmed that India has recalibrated its engagement with Pakistan, now limiting discussions to terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He restated that PoK is an integral part of India, and said that its people remain deeply connected to the nation.

Highlighting India’s transformation, Singh noted that defence production has increased from ₹43,000 crore to over ₹1.46 lakh crore in a decade, with private sector contributing ₹32,000 crore. Defence exports have surged from ₹700 crore to ₹24,000 crore, reaching over 100 countries.

He underlined India’s progress in AI, cyber defence, unmanned systems, and space-based technologies, and emphasized that strategic autonomy and industrial trust are key to achieving national strength.