Stories
India's Defence Journey: From Self-Reliance to Global Leadership at DEFCON 2026
- •News18 DEFCON 2026, in association with The Chanakya Dialogues, gathers military leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss India's defence future.
- •India's defence production reached –1.78 lakh crore and exports hit –38,424 crore in FY2025–26, with the private sector contributing 24%.
- •The focus shifts from production numbers to capability, emphasizing integration of AI, autonomous systems, cyber, and space technologies.
- •India aims to become a global defence manufacturing partner, requiring competitive products, resilient supply chains, and strategic partnerships.
- •Key attendees include Shri Rajnath Singh, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain, General NS Raja Subramani, and Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
Key Questions Answered
In FY2025-26, India's domestic defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore, while defence exports touched a record ₹38,424 crore. The private sector now accounts for 24% of total defence production.
Modern defence planning and operations are increasingly being reshaped by artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber and space capabilities, alongside digital systems that transform how information and intelligence are utilized. For India, the primary focus is ensuring these technologies can be effectively integrated, scaled, and put into operational use.
The News18 DEFCON 2026 summit brings together senior military leadership, policymakers, diplomats, strategic affairs experts, and industry stakeholders. Key attendees include Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, state governors, international ambassadors, and major technology and defence industry leaders.
