On January 2, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Headquarters in New Delhi to mark the 67th Foundation Day of the organisation.
During his visit, Rajnath Singh interacted with senior scientists and officials to commend their relentless efforts in strengthening India's defence sector and enhancing its technological capabilities.
He was joined by MoS Sanjay Seth, who also participated in the discussions and the celebrations.
In his address, Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO for its significant role in the development of indigenous technologies, which have empowered the Indian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art equipment.
He emphasised the importance of bolstering India’s self-reliance in defence technology while continuing to collaborate with the private sector to create a dynamic and competitive defence ecosystem.
Rajnath Singh also declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, where DRDO is expected to contribute significantly to the nation’s vision for progress. He highlighted the need for the organisation to align itself with the fast-paced, ever-evolving global technological landscape.
In his call to action, he urged DRDO to consistently produce cutting-edge and niche products to meet the challenges of modern warfare. He further stressed that the organisation should focus on developing specific technologies that align with the country’s needs and enhance its strategic capabilities.
During the interaction, Rajnath Singh outlined a vision for DRDO’s growth, suggesting that each lab within the organisation should focus on completing two to three critical projects by 2025.
He emphasised the importance of setting ambitious goals, with a target of 100 such projects to be completed by the next Foundation Day. This would not only showcase DRDO’s capabilities but also ensure that the country remains at the forefront of technological advancements in defence.
A key area of focus for Shri Rajnath Singh was the increasing collaboration between DRDO and the private sector. He appreciated DRDO’s initiative to provide access to its technologies and patents, which he believes will foster innovation and collaboration.
He urged DRDO to continue expanding its partnership with the private sector, identifying new areas where industry participation could be enhanced. Rajnath Singh firmly believes that the nation’s progress is heavily dependent on the collective efforts of all stakeholders working together.
Additionally, the Defence Minister suggested that DRDO should explore the involvement of start-ups in its research and development efforts.
This move would not only bring in fresh ideas and perspectives but would also help the Indian defence sector remain agile in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world.
Rajnath Singh further recommended that DRDO laboratories organise open days every month to facilitate interactions between industry players and DRDO scientists, fostering a culture of collaboration and idea-sharing.
The Raksha Mantri also highlighted DRDO’s potential to serve as a catalyst for technological advancements in other sectors.
He envisioned a new ecosystem that would focus on both defence and dual-use technologies, offering transformative solutions for civilian applications as well. Such an ecosystem could stimulate widespread innovation and bring about a technological revolution across various industries.
Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, briefed Shri Rajnath Singh about the organisation’s achievements in 2024 and its roadmap for 2025.
Dr Kamat shared that DRDO had transferred 1,950 technologies to Indian industries, with 256 licensing agreements signed in 2024 alone.
Additionally, over 18,000 tests had been conducted for private industries and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) in the past three years, with more than 5,000 tests carried out in 2024.
Rajnath Singh also took a moment to felicitate the design team responsible for the Long Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile, acknowledging their efforts in advancing the country’s defence capabilities.
Each year, DRDO celebrates its Foundation Day on January 1, a day dedicated to recognising the organisation's contributions to India’s defence and technological sectors.
Rajnath Singh’s visit and his interactions with the DRDO team were an opportunity to reinforce the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the defence research communit
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