The Ministry of Defence has outlined a comprehensive national security approach that extends far beyond traditional border protection, addressing modern threats including cyber attacks, unmanned aerial vehicles, and economic disruption. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at a defence conclave in New Delhi on 24 September 2026, emphasised that India’s security policy now balances diplomatic engagement with military preparedness while pursuing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The announcement signals a shift in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine, moving from passive containment towards what the ministry calls “deterrence by punishment”. The government has also clarified that any terror attack originating from Pakistani soil will be treated as an act of war against India.
Key facts
- Defence budget increased to Rs 7.85 lakh crore in FY 2026-27, up from Rs 2.50 lakh crore in FY 2013-14
- Defence production reached an all-time high of approximately Rs 1.80 lakh crore
- Defence research and development allocation increased 112 percent from Rs 13,700 crore in FY 2014-15 to over Rs 29,000 crore
- 25 percent of defence R&D budget opened to industry, start-ups and academia
- Over 5,500 items included in Positive Indigenisation Lists across more than 10 categories
- Srijan Defence Equipment Empowerment Platform lists over 41,000 vendors and 2.7 lakh products
- 15 Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence established
- 15 Defence Industrial Corridors set up across the country
- India’s economic growth rate stands at 7.8 percent; country ranks among top five economies
What constitutes modern national security
The Defence Ministry has rejected what it calls “perimeter fallacy” — the idea that national security means only safeguarding geographical borders. Modern threats now include drone and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks, cyber warfare, lone wolf attacks, disinformation campaigns, and attempts to disrupt economic and energy infrastructure. The government views national security as interconnected with economic strength and energy security, recognising that hostile actors may target these areas to weaken the nation.
Shift in counter-terrorism approach
India’s counter-terrorism doctrine has evolved from “strategic containment” and “deterrence by denial” towards “deterrence by punishment”. This represents a more assertive stance. The Defence Ministry has stated that any terror attack originating from Pakistani soil will be considered an act of war. Recent military operations including Surgical Strikes, the Balakot air strike, and Operation Sindoor have been cited as examples of this new approach. The government has also indicated that terrorism and diplomatic negotiations cannot proceed simultaneously, nor can terrorism and bilateral trade coexist.
Aatmanirbharta in defence manufacturing
The government is prioritising self-reliance in defence through its “Design in India, Develop in India, Manufacture in India” initiative. The Defence Acquisition Procedure now prioritises indigenous systems. Over 5,500 items have been added to Positive Indigenisation Lists, meaning these defence components and equipment must be sourced domestically rather than imported. The Srijan Defence Equipment Empowerment Platform integrates over 41,000 vendors and MSMEs into defence supply chains, alongside traditional large manufacturers. Fifteen Defence Industrial Corridors have been established across India to boost manufacturing capacity regionally.
Technology development priorities
The Defence Ministry is investing heavily in emerging domains of warfare, identifying drones, artificial intelligence, cyber security, electronic warfare, space technology, and quantum technology as priority areas. Indigenous systems already developed or under development include the Rustom and Ghatak unmanned aerial vehicles, the Nagastra drone, BrahMos missiles, and the Sudarshan Chakra system being designed for future combat scenarios. India has also successfully tested advanced Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle technology with the Agni-5 missile.
Balancing diplomacy with military strength
The Defence Ministry emphasises that effective national security requires balance between diplomacy and military capability. The government participates in multilateral forums including QUAD, I2U2 (with Israel, UAE and USA), BIMSTEC, BRICS, and SCO to advance cooperative security while simultaneously strengthening defence and strategic capabilities. The ministry argues that relying solely on diplomacy without military strength signals weakness, while pursuing military power without diplomatic engagement can create unnecessary confrontation.
Economic strength and defence interconnection
The Defence Ministry notes that a nation’s physical power depends on two pillars: a robust economy and a strong military. India’s economy is growing at 7.8 percent annually and ranks among the world’s top five. This economic growth enables higher defence spending and modernisation. Conversely, national security creates conditions favourable for development initiatives, as a secure environment attracts investment and enables long-term planning.
Soldier welfare measures
The government has implemented the One Rank One Pension policy and expanded ECHS medical facilities for veterans. The SPARSH platform was launched to ensure pensions reach the correct beneficiary at the right time. Soldiers awarded the Sena Medal and selected family members now receive lifetime free train travel.
What this means for you
For defence sector employees and businesses, the opening of 25 percent of defence R&D budget to industry, start-ups and academia creates opportunities for innovation and contracts. MSMEs and vendors can register on the Srijan platform to access defence supply chains. Students and researchers in defence-related fields may benefit from the 15 Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence. Veterans and military personnel have access to expanded welfare schemes and pension reforms. Citizens should understand that national security now encompasses not just military strength but also economic resilience and cyber security preparedness at national infrastructure levels.