India Actively Working Towards Becoming Global Drone Superpower: Defence Secretary
Last Updated:
The global demand for munitions, driven by geopolitical conflicts, is significantly boosting the country's defence exports, he said
India is actively working towards becoming a global drone superpower by ensuring the domestic procurement of military-grade drones while fostering global technological collaborations, Rajesh Kumar Singh, defence secretary of India, told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.
The global demand for munitions, driven by geopolitical conflicts, is significantly boosting the country's defence exports, he said.
'Our largest order to date, the BrahMos system to the Philippines, is a major milestone, pushing us closer to our target of Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2030," Singh told CNN-News18.
India is closely examining unmanned systems, not only in the air but also underwater and in emerging domains, the defence secretary revealed.
The armed forces, he said, are continually upgrading their capabilities to stay ahead of new warfare trends.
Singh last month underscored the imperative of Aatmanirbharta in the defence sector, calling it essential not only for preserving India's strategic autonomy but also for realising the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
India's defence landscape has witnessed a tectonic shift over the past decade. 'From being the world's largest importer in 2015, India has emerged as one of the top 25 defence exporters," Singh noted at a defence conclave held on May 29-30.
Over 100 Indian firms now export cutting-edge platforms and systems—including BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rocket launchers, simulators, armoured vehicles, Dornier aircraft, and offshore patrol vessels—to more than 100 countries. Defence exports have surged thirtyfold, touching Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2023-24.
First Published:
June 18, 2025, 20:13 IST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
21 minutes ago
- India.com
Israel Iran War: Iranian missile strikes on Gautam Adani's Haifa port, all operations suspended by…, why is it important for India?
Gautam Adani (File) Indian billionaire Gautam Adani-led group's Haifa port in Israel was unharmed by the Iranian ballistic missile attack, with cargo operations progressing unhampered, reported PTI citing sources. Israel's largest oil refinery, Bazan, suspended all operations at its Haifa Port after the damage from an Iranian missile strike late Monday night, reported Economic Times. Late on Saturday night, Iran targeted Israel's Haifa port and a nearby oil refinery in response to Tel Avi's attack on Iranian nuclear and other targets earlier this week. Shrapnels fell in the chemical terminal at the port and some other projectiles fell at the oil refinery, two sources aware of the matter said. They claimed there were no injuries. Adani's port, however, was not impacted by the strike. A piece of interceptor shrapnel was also found at the Kishan West (Haifa port) but there were no injuries, they said. Cargo operations at the Adani-operated port were unhampered. 'There are eight ships in the port now, cargo operations are normal,' a source told PTI. The Iranian ballistic missile attack did not inflict any damage to the port or its operations, the sources claimed. How Haifa port Operates? Haifa port is totally functioning normally, sources said, adding 8 ships were handling cargo as on Sunday. The port has approximately 700 employees. It handles different type of cargo, including containers, bulk, breakbulk, cement and general cargo. Haifa port serves as a crucial maritime hub, handling over 30 per cent of Israel's imports. It is owned by Adani Ports, which controls a 70 per cent share. Haifa is less than 3 per cent of the volume handled by Adani Ports and SEZ and contributed less than 2 per cent to the profits. Haifa handles a total cargo of 10-11 million tonnes annually, while APSEZ annual volumes are upwards of 450 million tonnes. Haifa is located at the nexus of Israel's economic and military networks, plays a critical role as an oil refinery, for industrial exports, and also for supporting naval operations. These functions give more importance to any foreign investor. India's acquisition of the Haifa port is part of its broader goals within the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This multinational initiative brings together India, Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the EU, and the US. It will connect Indian ports to Europe via the Arabian Peninsula and Israel. It can also be an alternative to the Red Sea–Suez Canal route. For India, holding a direct stake in the Haifa port gives multiple advantages, like streamlined trade with Europe, enhanced logistics infrastructure, and strengthened strategic ties with regional partners.
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Betrayal of all humanity': PM Modi urges G7 to hold Pakistan accountable; warns West against double standards on terrorism
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an address at the G7 outreach session on Wednesday, calling on the international community to act decisively against countries that support terrorism, indirectly targeting Pakistan. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He warned that ignoring the threat of terrorism for geopolitical convenience would be a "betrayal of all humanity." Citing the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam as a 'direct assault on the soul, identity and dignity of every Indian,' PM Modi told G7 leaders, 'Our own neighbourhood has become a breeding ground for terrorism… any country that supports terrorism must be held accountable and made to pay the price.' He added that turning a blind eye to such actions would mean 'history will never forgive us.' He cautioned against selective treatment of terrorism. 'Can those who spread terror and those who suffer from it be weighed on the same scale?' he asked, adding that nations backing terrorism were still being 'rewarded' while others faced sanctions for lesser actions. PM Modi emphasised that 'there must be no place for double standards' and called for global unity in fighting terror. India pitches inclusive energy transition , raises Global South's concerns Shifting focus to energy security, Modi called it one of the biggest global challenges, stressing India's commitment to inclusive development rooted in 'availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability.' He urged developed nations to move forward with a spirit of 'not I, but us,' highlighting how the Global South disproportionately suffers from global conflicts. 'India considers it its responsibility to bring the priorities and concerns of the Global South to the world stage,' he said. Modi also warned that as long as double standards exist, 'sustainable and inclusive development of humanity shall remain out of reach.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now PM Modi on AI: Energy use, misinformation demand global action On artificial intelligence, PM Modi acknowledged its potential for innovation but also flagged its high energy demand. He said AI's future must be powered by renewable energy and governed by international frameworks that promote responsible use. 'Deepfakes are a major cause for concern,' PM Modi said, proposing that AI-generated content should carry clear disclosures or watermarks. He also emphasised the need for cooperation on critical minerals and robust global supply chains, cautioning against their monopolisation. 'We must ensure no country uses supply chains solely for its own interests or as a weapon,' he added.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
24 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Solutions not on battlefields, diplomacy only way: PM Modi in Croatia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Croatia have agreed that whether it is Europe or Asia, solutions to problems cannot come from battlefields, asserting that dialogue and diplomacy is the only way ahead. In a joint press statement following the delegation-level talks with Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic, PM Modi also said a plan would be made to boost defence cooperation between the two countries. PM Modi said he and his Croatian counterpart have decided to give a "three-time" pace to the bilateral ties. "We agree that terrorism is an enemy of humanity. Terrorism is inimical to forces that believe in democracy. We agree, whether in Europe or Asia, solutions to problems can't be found from battlefields, and dialogue and diplomacy is the only way," he said. His comments come amid an escalating situation in West Asia as the military confrontation between Israel and Iran intensified. During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Croatia bilateral relations and explored avenues to deepen collaboration in sectors like digital technologies, space, renewable energy, defence, maritime infrastructure, tourism and hospitality, amongst others, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X. Prime Minister PM Modi thanked Croatia for its steadfast support to India in fighting cross-border terrorism. The leaders also called for further deepening India-EU strategic ties, he added. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival for the talks. PM Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Balkan nation, arrived here earlier in the day on the last leg of his three-nation tour. In a special gesture, Prime Minister Plenkovic received PM PM Modi at the airport upon his arrival from Canada. PM Modi will also meet President Zoran Milanovic.
