Operation Sindoor & Self-Reliant India

Operation Sindoor was a moment of reckoning for Make in India which was launched in 2014. The operation not only showcased India’s ability to strike with precision & confidence using indigenous defence technologies but also the success of Make in India programme as much of the equipment used in Operation Sindoor was developed under Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (Self-Reliant India Mission) was launched in 2020, which called for action to not only make India self-reliant but also become a global lighthouse in state-of-the-art manufacturing, with modern & efficient value chains while integrating global value chains.

What has been the role of Indian industry in the success of Operation Sindoor?

1. Indigenous Air Defence and Counter-UAS Systems: Indian private and public sector companies developed and deployed advanced indigenous air defence systems such as the Akash surface-to-air missile and integrated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) grids. These systems effectively neutralized Pakistani drone and missile attacks on multiple Indian military installations during the operation, demonstrating superior surveillance, interception, and electronic warfare capabilities.

2. Loitering Munitions and Drones: Indian firms like Tata Advanced Systems and Paras Defence supplied loitering munitions (“suicide drones”) and swarm drones that enhanced precision strike capabilities without crossing international borders. These platforms were critical in targeting terrorist infrastructure and neutralizing threats.

3. Private Sector Innovation and Government Support: The success was underpinned by government initiatives such as iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), SRIJAN (import substitution), and Production Linked Incentive schemes that encouraged private sector participation and innovation. This synergy between industry, military, and government accelerated the development and deployment of cutting-edge indigenous technologies.

4. Validation of ‘Made-in-India’ Weapons: Operation Sindoor validated the combat readiness and reliability of Indian-made defence equipment, boosting confidence domestically and enhancing India’s reputation as a global defence manufacturing hub. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this as a milestone for India’s defence self-reliance and export potential.

5. Strategic Edge and Jointness: The integration of indigenous technologies across the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy facilitated a coordinated, multi-domain response, underscoring the strategic advantage gained through homegrown defence solutions.

6. Net Defence Exporter: Operation Sindoor not only neutralized the threats across the border but also symbolised India’s gradual transition from an dependent arms importer to a producer of world-class defence equipments. India’s defence exports has climbed up to Rs 23,000cr in FY25 – reaching out to 80 countries & is expected to touch Rs 50,000cr by 2029. The private sector’s contribution to these exports is Rs 15,000cr.

7. Developing frontier technologies: India’s defence industry is helping India in enhancing its defence capabilities by developing advanced technologies, supporting indigenous manufacturing, and collaborating in joint ventures for systems such as missiles, drones, and combat platforms.

What are the challenges that Indian defence industry facing?

1. Technological Gaps and Import Dependence: Despite progress in indigenization, India continues to rely heavily on foreign imports for high-tech and critical defence systems. As of 2023, 36% of the defence procurement budget was still allocated to foreign imports, reflecting gaps in domestic technological capabilities.

2. Insufficient Budget for Modernization and R&D: While the overall defence budget is substantial, allocations for modernization and research remain inadequate. Only about 3.9% of the defence budget is dedicated to R&D, limiting advancements in cutting-edge areas like hypersonic weapons, AI, and quantum technologies.

3. Bureaucratic Delays in Procurement: The defence procurement process is often slow and encumbered by bureaucratic inefficiencies, resulting in significant delays between contract approvals and equipment delivery. This affects operational readiness and timely modernization.

4. Fragmented Ecosystem and Limited Private Sector Role: The defence sector is still dominated by public sector units, with private industry contributing only about 21% of total production. Collaboration between public and private entities remains limited, and private players face hurdles in accessing major defence projects.

5. Export Market Challenges: Although defence exports have grown, India struggles to penetrate key international markets and compete with established exporters like the US, Russia, and China. The pace of securing major international contracts is slow, and overall export volumes remain modest.

6. Cybersecurity and Electronic Warfare Vulnerabilities: India’s cybersecurity frameworks and electronic warfare capabilities lag behind those of major adversaries, exposing critical systems to potential cyber-attacks and electronic threats.

7. Internal Security and Resource Diversion: Ongoing internal security challenges, such as insurgencies and terrorism, divert resources and focus away from conventional military modernization.

8. Lack of Integrated Defence Strategy: Despite reforms, integration across the Army, Navy, and Air Force remains limited, with delays in implementing joint command structures and harmonizing strategies.

9. Delays in Indigenous Projects: Key indigenous projects, such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), have faced significant delays, impacting operational capabilities for e.g. only 31 operational fighter squadrons against a requirement of 42.

10. Policy and Implementation Gaps: Efforts to enforce higher indigenous content in procurement face practical challenges due to the globalized nature of defence supply chains and difficulties in accurately assessing local content.

What can be the way forward?

1. Accelerate Indigenous Technology Development:

• Invest in advanced weapons and systems such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), hypersonic weapons, quantum communication, and AI-driven platforms to reduce dependence on imports and address future warfare needs.

• Foster innovation through initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and the Technology Development Fund, enabling startups and MSMEs to contribute to defence R&D.

2. Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships:

• Encourage deeper collaboration between Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private industry, and academia to drive innovation and production efficiency.

• Establish more collaborative platforms—such as public-private innovation labs and Defence Innovation Zones—to expedite the development and deployment of new technologies.

3. Modernize Procurement and Export Processes:

• Streamline and digitize defence procurement to reduce delays and enhance transparency, prioritizing “Buy Indian” policies to favor domestic manufacturers.

• Expand India’s global footprint by targeting emerging export markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, leveraging streamlined export approval processes and government-supported lines of credit.

4. Build a Skilled Defence Workforce: Launch comprehensive defence skill development programs and specialized training institutes in partnership with global defence corporations and top educational institutions to create a pipeline of skilled engineers, technicians, and cyber specialists.

5. Boost Infrastructure and Advanced Manufacturing: Invest in Defence Industrial Corridors (such as those in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu) and smart manufacturing technologies, including robotics, automation, and additive manufacturing (3D printing), to enhance production capabilities and quality.

6. Enhance Cybersecurity and Digital Defence: Establish a National Defence Cyber Command (NDCC) to protect critical infrastructure, integrate AI-based cyber defence, and conduct regular cyber warfare simulations.

7. Policy Stability and Increased Investment: Ensure policy continuity and increase defence spending, especially for R&D and modernization, to maintain momentum in reforms and keep pace with global technological advancements.

8. Foster Defence Export Diplomacy: Strengthen diplomatic and strategic partnerships to facilitate defence exports and position India as a reliable supplier of advanced military technologies.

9. Integrated Theatre Commands and Jointness: Implement Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force under single commands, enhancing operational synergy and readiness for multi-domain operations.

10. Focus on Strategic Deterrence: Prioritize the development of next-generation deterrent technologies in air, space, cyber, and hypersonic warfare to counter evolving threats and reinforce national security.

Conclusion:
India today stands at a defining juncture. With economic resilience, manufacturing strength, innovation-led growth, and a global outlook – India is no long catching up – it is shaping the future. Thus, India must now aim to lead the next wave of global innovation. It must embed technological ambition into its industrial, academic & strategic fabric. The vision is clear: a strong, secure, self-reliant, and globally respected India.