Wars of Tomorrow Will Be Fought with Algorithms and AI, Says Rajnath Singh; Urges iDEX Startups to Create India’s First Defence Unicorn
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with innovators at an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies developed under iDEX and ADITI, organised by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence, in New Delhi.
New Delhi, October 8: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the battlefield of the future will be dominated by algorithms, autonomous systems, drones, and artificial intelligence, calling on Indian innovators to lead this technological transformation and make India the world’s hub of defence innovation.
Addressing the ‘Raksha Navachar Samvaad – Interaction with iDEX Startups’ ahead of the National Conference at Vigyan Bhawan, Singh said, “The wars of tomorrow will be fought with algorithms, autonomous systems and AI. Drones, anti-drone systems, quantum computing and directed-energy weapons will define the future. We have seen such a demo in Operation Sindoor.”
He urged young innovators to move beyond imitation and set global standards in defence technology. “We must not remain followers. We must become creators and standard-setters for the world,” he said.
Indigenisation: From Dependence to Confidence
Highlighting India’s rapid strides in self-reliance, the Defence Minister said that domestic capital acquisitions had risen from ₹74,000 crore in 2021–22 to ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2024–25, terming it “not merely a statistical change but a change in mindset — from dependence to confidence.”
He noted that at least 25% of defence procurement is now reserved for micro and small enterprises, and more than 350 items have been earmarked exclusively for them. “India’s self-reliance in defence has moved from being a slogan to becoming a movement,” he added.
iDEX Transforming India’s Defence Innovation Landscape
Referring to the success of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative launched in 2018, Singh said the platform has “democratised defence innovation” by connecting young talent with the needs of the armed forces.
“In just seven years, over 650 iDEX winners have emerged, and prototype procurements worth ₹3,000 crore have been ensured. This marks a revolution in India’s defence innovation landscape,” he said.
Calling upon startups to set new benchmarks, Singh said India now has over 100 unicorns but none in the defence sector. “Let the first Defence Unicorn of India emerge from among you. It will be a matter of pride for the entire nation,” he declared.
Driving India’s Defence Innovation Ecosystem
He cited major reforms such as the forthcoming Defence Procurement Manual (DPM 2025), which will ensure five-year assured orders, extendable by another five, to provide startups with stability and predictability. The revised Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), he added, will further simplify processes, accelerate trials, and guarantee procurement for innovative solutions.
Commending the innovators behind Operation Sindoor, Singh said their work has earned global recognition, with Indian startups now showcasing technologies at international platforms such as the Dubai Airshow 2025.
“Our soldiers are now saluting innovations born from India’s own soil,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Defence is collaborating with other departments and financial institutions to provide end-to-end support for startups, from ideation to production.
Concluding his address, Singh said India’s defence innovation journey is steadily advancing “from concept to creation and from vision to victory,” reaffirming that a secure and self-reliant India will be built on the strength of its innovators.
