Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his speech on May 4, at the inauguration ceremony of the three-day North Tech Symposium-2026 ‘Defence Triveni Sangam’, being held from May 4 to 6, in Prayagraj, UP underscored the urgent need for India to accelerate innovation in cutting-edge defence technologies, urging industry and academia to step-up efforts in emerging domains such as directed energy weapons, hypersonic systems, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.
Addressing the inaugural session of North Tech Symposium in Prayagraj, the defence minister stressed that future warfare will be shaped by rapid technological transformation and the element of surprise.
Emphasising the need for country’s defence preparedness, he called for a proactive approach to develop capabilities that can deliver strategic surprise. “The decisive edge in warfare belongs to those who can adapt faster and strike unexpectedly,” he said.
Referring to Operation Sindoor as a benchmark of India’s technological readiness, the defence minister said the operation showcased the valour of the armed forces and the effectiveness of our indigenous defence systems. He highlighted the use of advanced platforms such as the Akash missile system and BrahMos as proof of India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Rajnath Singh noted that modern conflicts are evolving at an unprecedented pace, pointing to the rapid shift from conventional warfare to drone- and sensor-driven combat in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He also referred to unconventional threats, including weaponisation of everyday technologies as seen in recent attacks in West Asia.
The defence minister also highlighted key policy initiatives aimed at boosting defence innovation. He noted that 25% of the defence R&D budget has been earmarked for private industry, start-ups, and academia, with over ₹4,500 crore already utilised. He added that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred more than 2,200 technologies to industry and has waived technology transfer fees under a new policy framework.
Rajnath Singh further proposed the creation of a “Knowledge Corridor” to enable collaboration among stakeholders and enhance capabilities across emerging domains. He expressed confidence that such initiatives would help India to emerge as a formidable military power in the years ahead.
The symposium, North Tech Symposium-2026 (NTS ‘26), is jointly organised by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands, along with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
