At the NDTV Defence Summit 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh articulated a dual focus for India’s national security policy: technological self-reliance and a firm stance on regional stability. Regarding the 'Make-in-India' initiative, Singh argued that India should prioritize domestic production of military hardware, ranging from microchips to naval vessels, rather than relying on foreign imports. He framed this as a logical step toward national sovereignty and economic independence in the defence sector.

In a separate address at the same summit, Singh shifted his focus to regional security, specifically addressing tensions with Pakistan. He stated that India’s preference is for peace and that the country has no territorial ambitions. However, he issued a stern warning that India’s desire for peaceful relations should not be interpreted as a lack of military capability or resolve. Singh explicitly stated that India is prepared to conduct strikes against terrorists if necessary to protect its interests. While the minister’s comments on self-reliance focused on industrial policy, his remarks on security emphasized a deterrent posture, signaling that the government intends to maintain a high level of military readiness despite its stated preference for diplomatic stability.