New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate a national-level conference on ‘Opportunities in Defence Manufacturing in the Country’ at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on October 7, 2025, according to an official press release. The event, organised under the aegis of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (MoD), aims to strengthen coordination between the central and state governments to advance India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

The conference provides a dedicated platform for the Departments of Industries of all States and Union Territories to align regional industrial policies and infrastructure development with the national objective of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Launch of defence portals

During the event, Rajnath Singh will launch two key digital platforms designed to enhance the efficiency of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem:

  • Defence Exim Portal: This portal aims to streamline the process of issuing export and import authorisations for defence equipment and technologies. It is expected to simplify regulatory procedures, reduce processing time, and facilitate smoother international trade in defence products.
  • Srijan DEEP (Defence Establishments and Entrepreneurs Platform): A digital repository that maps capabilities and products of Indian defence industries, Srijan DEEP will serve as a comprehensive reference for investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers seeking to engage with the defence manufacturing sector.
  • These platforms are intended to boost ease of doing business in the defence sector while promoting greater transparency and coordination.

Publication releases

The conference will also witness the release of two significant publications that highlight India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem:

  1. Aerospace & Defence Sector Policy Compendium of States and Union Territories – A detailed guide mapping policies across states and UTs to identify opportunities and gaps in the sector.
  2. iDEX Coffee Table Book ‘Shared Horizons of Innovation’ – A showcase of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, reflecting India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defence technologies and start-up participation.

These publications aim to provide policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders with insights into regional and national strategies for promoting indigenisation and innovation in defence manufacturing.

Strengthening India’s defence ecosystem

The conference will gather senior officials from the Ministries of Defence and Industry, state representatives, and private sector participants, focusing on key areas such as:

  • Boosting indigenisation of defence equipment and reducing reliance on imports.
  • Promoting defence exports and identifying new international markets.
  • Encouraging investment in the sector, especially through start-ups and MSMEs engaged in defence production.
  • Facilitating coordination between state policies and national defence priorities to ensure uniform growth across regions.

This initiative is aligned with the government’s broader vision under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programmes, which emphasise self-reliance, technological innovation, and global competitiveness in the defence sector.

Conclusion

The national conference represents a milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. With the launch of digital portals and publication releases, coupled with enhanced cooperation between central and state authorities, the event seeks to create a robust framework for the growth of indigenous defence production. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s participation underscores the strategic importance of the initiative in transforming India into a global hub for defence manufacturing and innovation.