Defence research is at the center of Govt’s priorities

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has underscored the criticality of sustained focus on research and cultivating the element of surprise to stay future-ready in the present era of intense technological revolution. He was addressing defence personnel, industry captains, innovators, start-ups and academia representatives during the inaugural session of the three-day North Tech Symposium, organised by the Indian Army’s Northern & Central Commands and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on May 04, 2026.

Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised the need to adopt a proactive approach and build capabilities that enable the country, should the need arise, to launch an unexpected strike against its adversary. “History bears witness that in warfare, the decisive edge invariably belongs to the side that possesses the element of surprise. While our defence forces are already working in that direction, we must make further progress with greater proactivity,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh further stated that DRDO has initiated a policy granting Indian industries free access to its patents, a move that will bolster both their technological capabilities and global competitiveness. “DRDO’s testing facilities have also been opened up for the industries on a payment basis. Every year, hundreds of industries utilise these facilities for R&D support,” he said.

In his address, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Central Command Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta stated that the symposium provides a unique platform to the defence forces, Industry, start-ups, innovators, and academia to develop indigenous technological solutions aimed at addressing critical operational challenges.

GOC-in-C, Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma emphasised that the objective of the symposium is to transform ideas, innovation, and experience into deployable capabilities. (updated on 4th may 2026)