Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at IIT Kanpur’s 65th Foundation Day, praised India’s strides towards self-reliance in defence. Singh announced that defence exports, which rose from Rs 600 crore to Rs 21,000 crore over the last decade, are on track to reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30. He called on young innovators to develop high-end technologies locally to drive Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat.”
Singh highlighted the critical role of technology in modern defence, noting that warfare now relies on drones, laser warfare, and cyber tactics. He urged young engineers and researchers to create tech solutions to reduce India’s dependence on imported defence equipment.
Government Support for Start-Ups and Innovation
Singh outlined the government’s support initiatives, including the iDEX and ADITI schemes, which provide grants to start-ups for strategic defence innovation. iDEX offers Rs 1.5 crore, while ADITI extends up to Rs 25 crore for advanced defence technology development. Singh said institutions like IIT Kanpur are vital to ideation and product creation for India’s Armed Forces.
During the event, Singh visited an exhibition by SIIC-incubated start-ups at IIT Kanpur, showcasing advancements in autonomous systems, AI surveillance, and communications. He engaged with start-up founders and applauded their contributions to defence innovation.
Strengthening Partnerships and Innovation Ecosystem
Several MoUs were signed to bolster defence innovation, including IIT Kanpur’s collaborations with BEML and HAL to enhance military logistics. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat presented sanction letters for six new DRDO projects. SIDBI’s funding initiative also backed iDEX-supported start-ups. A commemorative tree plantation by Singh marked IIT Kanpur’s commitment to defence tech and sustainability.
Secretary of Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar, DRDO Chairman Dr. Kamat, IIT Kanpur Director Prof. Manindra Agrawal, and students attended the event.
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