10 January 2026·PIB

Aatmanirbharta in defence is a national imperative & necessity for long-term strategic autonomy, says Defence Secretary at Defence Skilling Conclave

In this note

1. At a Glance

Aatmanirbharta in Defence = strategic policy push to reduce import dependence and build indigenous design, development & manufacturing capacity across DPSUs, private sector, MSMEs and start-ups [1][4].
Framed as a precondition for strategic autonomy and the broader Viksit Bharat vision [1][5].
Examinable for both Prelims (schemes, numbers, lists) and Mains (GS-III internal security/economy, GS-II governance).

10 January 2026: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh inaugurated the Defence Skilling Conclave on Defence, Aerospace and Strategic Sector Skill Development at Chandigarh, organised by Govt of Punjab with SIDM and CII [1].
He launched/referenced the PM-SETU skilling programme — outlay ₹60,000 crore over 5 years, 50% GoI funding — covering Centres of Excellence, dual apprenticeships, AI-enabled training, Agniveer/veteran skilling pathways [1].

2014: defence exports < ₹1,000 crore; ~65–70% import dependency [2].
2020: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan announced; FDI in defence raised to 74% automatic / 100% govt route [4].
2020 onwards: successive Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs) by DDP and DMA notified [4].
2024-25: record defence production ₹1.54 lakh crore; record exports ₹23,622 crore (12.04% YoY) [2][3].
Target 2029: ₹3 lakh crore production, ₹50,000 crore exports [2].

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Defence; Department of Defence Production (DDP) is the implementing arm [2].
Defence Secretary (2026): Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh [1].
FY 2024-25 production: ₹1.54 lakh crore (all-time high) [2].
FY 2024-25 exports: ₹23,622 crore (+12.04% over FY24) [2].
Domestic procurement share FY24-25: 177 of 193 contracts worth ₹1,68,922 crore (out of ₹2,09,050 crore) [2].
Private sector share in production: 23% in FY24-25 (up from 21%) [2].
Exports reach: 100+ countries incl. USA, France, Armenia [2].
Skilling vehicle: PM-SETU, ₹60,000 cr / 5 yrs, 50% central share [1].
Partners at conclave: Govt of Punjab + SIDM + CII [1].

Economic

Defence manufacturing contributes to MSME ecosystem; private sector share rising to 23% [2].
Export pivot: from net importer to exporter to 100+ nations [2].

Strategic / Geopolitical

Reduces leverage of foreign OEMs and supply chain shocks; secures strategic autonomy [1].
"Evolving global supply chains" framed as opportunity post-Ukraine/Red Sea disruptions [1].

Scientific / Technological

Push for indigenous design via DRDO, iDEX, Technology Development Fund; AI-enabled skilling tools flagged [1].
Sovereignty over skills, technology, intellectual capital highlighted as the next frontier [1].

Administrative / Governance

Social (Human Capital)

Integration of Agniveers and veterans into structured skilling pathways [1].
Dual apprenticeships to align youth skills with defence-aerospace demand [1].

Jan 10, 2026: Defence Skilling Conclave, Chandigarh [1].
FY 2024-25: Production ₹1.54 lakh cr; exports ₹23,622 cr [2].
2025-26 target: ₹1.75 lakh cr production [2].
2026 National Defence Industries Conclave: Raksha Mantri called for India to become global drone manufacturing hub [3].

Defence Secretary who inaugurated Defence Skilling Conclave 2026: Rajesh Kumar Singh [1].
Venue & date of Defence Skilling Conclave: Chandigarh, 10 January 2026 [1].
PM-SETU outlay: ₹60,000 crore over 5 years, 50% GoI share [1].
Defence production FY 2024-25: ₹1.54 lakh crore (all-time high) [2].
Defence exports FY 2024-25: ₹23,622 crore, growth 12.04% [2].
Defence production target 2029: ₹3 lakh crore [2].
Defence export target 2029: ₹50,000 crore [2].
FDI cap in defence: 74% automatic / 100% government route [4].
Indian defence exports go to 100+ countries including USA, France, Armenia [2].
Private sector share in defence production FY24-25: 23% [2].
Conclave organisers: Govt of Punjab + SIDM + CII [1].
Number of MoD contracts signed FY24-25: 193 worth ₹2,09,050 crore; 177 to domestic industry [2].

GS-III: Internal Security — "Indigenisation of technology and developing new technology"; also Economy — manufacturing & MSMEs.
GS-II: Government policies & schemes; Centre-State coordination (skilling).
Possible question stems: 1. "Aatmanirbharta in defence is a necessary condition for strategic autonomy but not a sufficient one. Examine." (GS-III, 250 words) 2. "Discuss how skilling initiatives like PM-SETU complement the policy push for indigenisation in defence manufacturing." (GS-III, 150 words) 3. "Evaluate India's transition from defence importer to a $25-billion exporter by 2029. What are the structural challenges?" (GS-III, 250 words)

iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) — start-up engagement engine for defence.
Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs) — DDP/DMA notified import bans.
Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 — Buy-Indian IDDM category.
SRIJAN Portal — indigenisation of imported items by DPSUs.
Agnipath Scheme & Agniveers — feeds skilled manpower into industry.
Drone policy & PLI for drones — linked to MoD's drone manufacturing hub vision.
FDI in Defence (74%/100%) — investment liberalisation context.
DRDO Technology Development Fund (TDF) — start-up R&D funding.

PM-SETU is skilling-oriented (defence/aerospace), NOT a general manufacturing PLI — do not confuse with PM Vishwakarma or PM-KISAN.
Defence Secretary ≠ Defence Minister; speaker at Chandigarh conclave was Rajesh Kumar Singh (Secretary), not Rajnath Singh [1].
Defence exports FY24-25 figure is ₹23,622 crore (not ₹21,083 cr — that was FY23-24) [2].
FDI: 74% automatic route in defence (raised from 49% in 2020), 100% only via government route [4].
Aatmanirbharta ≠ autarky — India still imports critical platforms; emphasis is on design and IP, not closed economy [1].