Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, November 3, chaired a meeting of the Defence Ministry's Parliamentary Consultative Committee in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, focused on the modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces, border security and future defence challenges, IANS reported. The Chief of Defence Staff, senior military officials and Members of Parliament also attended the meeting.

Source: IANS via HiIndia

Singh said the theme, 'Modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces', was particularly relevant in the present international security environment, and that geopolitical developments across the world directly influence India's security priorities. He said Jaisalmer was selected following suggestions from committee members, and the border-region venue assumes significance given the region's strategic importance along India's western border.

Source: IANS via HiIndia

Rs 7.85 lakh croreIndia's total defence budget for 2026-27 (yaani Rs 7,85,000 crore)
Rs 2.19 lakh croreCapital outlay earmarked for modernisation and procurement
Rs 3 lakh crore / Rs 50,000 croreDefence production / defence exports targets set for 2029

Production and exports: the self-reliance figures

Singh said domestic defence production has risen from about Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15 to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, while defence exports have climbed from below Rs 2,000 crore in 2014 to about Rs 40,000 crore. The government has set targets of Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

Source: Nation Press (IANS)

Technology and new formations

The minister stressed that modern warfare is increasingly shaped by technologies such as drones, missiles and air defence systems, pointing to the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Iran conflicts, and said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing new weapons systems and missiles. He cited new Army formations including 'Ashni', 'Bhairon' and 'Shaktibaan' as examples of units addressing operational requirements.

Source: Nation Press (IANS)

The meeting also discussed integration among the three services, indigenous manufacturing, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and cyber and space capabilities, and strengthening coordination among the armed forces, DRDO, defence public sector units, private industry and academic institutions. Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials attended, according to the reports.

Source: BizzNewz

Singh said modernisation goes beyond procuring weapons, requiring continuous improvement in operational preparedness, indigenous capabilities and personnel training, and that the armed forces maintain a priority list so resources are used efficiently.