Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday stressed the need for sustained investment in research and the “element of surprise” to ensure preparedness in the era of rapid technological transformation.
“There is no alternative to research. The nature of future warfare is being determined in laboratories,” he told defense personnel, industry leaders, innovators, startups and academia at the opening session of the three-day North Technology Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj.
He referred to Operation Sindoor, days before its first anniversary, and termed it a “unique” example of how the Indian Army is using advanced technology to deal a decisive blow against terrorist groups and their sponsors.
Singh stressed that the armed forces showed patience but were effective in destroying terrorist infrastructure during Operation Sindoor. He added that the operation was a global reminder of the capabilities of the Indian Army.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
“The decisive response given by our soldiers to the terrorists and their sponsors made the entire nation feel proud. It was good that we were patient and destroyed only the terrorists; otherwise the whole world knows what our armed forces are capable of,” Singh said. “The operation demonstrated the bravery and capability of our forces. Indigenous systems like Akashteer, Akash Missile System and BrahMos were deployed.”
He spoke of Israel’s “Operation Grim Pepper” callback operations in Lebanon and Syria to warn that “everything can be turned into a weapon,” underscoring the rapidly changing nature of modern warfare.
“Would anyone have imagined that a seemingly ordinary pager could turn into a bomb? The pager attacks in Lebanon and Syria have forced the whole world to rethink war. No one can predict what can become a weapon these days… Everything can be used as a weapon. Now, in such a situation, when such a terrible form of change is before us, the preparedness of a country like India becomes even more important…”
Singh highlighted how recent conflicts showed how quickly war can change. “In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, warfare has shifted from tanks and missiles to game-changing drones and sensors in just three to four years.”
The Defense Minister said India must develop its capabilities to provide unexpected responses when needed. “History shows that the decisive advantage in war goes to the side that possesses the element of surprise. As our armed forces move in this direction, we must accelerate our efforts.”
He said defense research has been placed at the heart of national priorities, with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) working closely with industry partners. “DRDO no longer works in isolation.”
He noted that 25% of the defense R&D budget was allocated to industry, academia and startups, with more than 25% of the defense R&D budget. $4500 crores have already been used. The new technology transfer policy waived the previous 20% fee for development and production partners, resulting in more than 2,200 technologies being transferred to industry.
Singh announced that Indian industries now have free access to DRDO patents. In addition, DRDO’s testing facilities have been opened to industry on a payment basis, benefiting hundreds of companies annually.
