NEW DELHI, TRINET NEWS, September 15, 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled several key policy initiatives at the 'Vimarsh' DRDO-Industry Conclave, organized by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The initiative includes a comprehensive policy framework to reduce technical and financial barriers faced by MSMEs and deep-tech startups entering the defence sector, providing direct funding support, incubation backing, and exclusive utilization of DRDO testing facilities.
Additionally, a standardized policy framework was launched to securely share DRDO-developed software source codes with licensed industries. This aims to accelerate software-driven defence capabilities and manage legacy technological systems more efficiently.
Nine Technology Transfer Licensing Agreements (LAToTs) were handed over by the Defence Minister to 13 manufacturing partners to enable commercial-scale production of advanced defence systems. Strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also exchanged with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) to expand industry relations and grassroots partnerships.
To assess the manufacturing maturity of domestic defence production firms, DRDO signed an agreement with the Quality Council of India for the implementation of the 'System for Advanced Manufacturing Assessment and Rating' (SAMAR) Version 2.0.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh stated that DRDO-industry collaboration must now extend beyond mere production to the entire value chain, including research, design, testing, certification, and manufacturing, thereby transforming India into a global defence manufacturing hub.
“DRDO has knowledge and technology. Industry has massive production capacity. Startups bring innovation and agile operations. Youth hold the dream of building a New India. If these four forces move forward together in one direction, there is no goal that cannot be achieved,” he said.
Rajnath Singh emphasized that the goal of a Viksit Bharat is not just building an economically strong nation, but a technologically self-reliant, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and strategically secure country.
“By 2047, we must achieve Atmanirbharta in critical technology sectors. Domestic production share must increase significantly, defence exports must multiply, and India must secure a strong position in global supply chains,” he noted.
The Defence Minister detailed unprecedented reforms undertaken in the defence sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership over the past few years. He highlighted measures such as the notification of Positive Indigenisation Lists, the 'Make in India' initiative, iDEX and ADITI schemes, and the decision to allocate 25 percent of the defence R&D budget to the private sector to reduce import dependence and drive self-reliance.
Describing startups and MSMEs as the new torchbearers of innovation in India, Rajnath Singh said their role is crucial in achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He emphasized the need to integrate MSMEs and startups, alongside large industries, as integral parts of the defence supply chain.
He stated that the core objectives of the new policies are to promote industry-led R&D, provide funding and mentorship to startups and MSMEs, enhance academia-industry collaboration, and encourage investments in future technology sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Hypersonics, and Directed Energy.
“MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy and a vital strength for the defence sector ecosystem. Continuous focus must be laid on quality, timely supply, innovation, and global standards,” he advised.
Stressing that a nation with its own technology has the power to shape its own future, the Defence Minister said self-reliance must become an integral part of the nation's ethos and mindset.
Addressing the event, Defence Secretary and Department of Defence R&D Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh said Vimarsh 2026, held under the theme 'Vaarta se Vikas' (Development through Dialogue), was strategically designed to integrate advanced commercial innovations with national defence preparedness.
A special book titled 'Defence Systems for Resilient Bharat – Advancing Atmanirbharta in Defence' was released during the event, detailing major defence systems developed by DRDO technology clusters between 2014 and 2026. Guidelines for human resource outsourcing service contracts in DRDO were also released.
Department of Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary of Defence Finance Biswajit Sahay, DRDO Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Production Coordination and Services Interaction) Dr. Chandrika Kaushik, and other dignitaries participated in the event. Over 250 representatives from defence industries, industry associations, senior civil and military officials, and senior DRDO scientists attended the main event.
