India’s push towards defence self-reliance should be driven by a balanced combination of the Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) framework and the Make in India initiative, according to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Addressing stakeholders from the defence industry, Singh said both approaches are essential for creating a resilient and globally competitive defence manufacturing ecosystem.
He explained that the IDDM category remains the preferred route for defence procurement as it promotes equipment designed, developed and manufactured within India using significant indigenous content. Strengthening domestic research and innovation, he noted, is vital for reducing reliance on foreign technologies and ensuring long-term strategic autonomy for the armed forces.
At the same time, Singh highlighted the continued importance of the Make in India programme in expanding India’s manufacturing capabilities. Partnerships between Indian companies and global defence firms enable advanced systems to be produced domestically, facilitate technology transfer, strengthen supply chains and generate skilled employment across the defence sector.
The Defence Secretary emphasised that India’s defence modernisation requires both immediate capability enhancement and sustained investment in indigenous technologies. While local manufacturing through strategic collaborations can meet operational requirements in the near term, the IDDM framework will continue to drive innovation and help Indian industry develop advanced defence platforms independently.
He added that the government’s long-term objective is to build a defence industrial base capable of supporting the armed forces while also increasing India’s presence in the global defence market. By combining indigenous design with robust domestic manufacturing, India can accelerate its journey towards becoming a self-reliant defence production hub and a reliable exporter of military equipment.
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