Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged scientists at Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to keep an eye on the products and processes being adopted by the technologically advanced countries and develop niche technologies with the aim of making DRDO one of the strongest R&D organisations in the world.
Had a wonderful interaction with the @DRDO_India’s senior scientists and officials in New Delhi today. Lauded them for their efforts towards developing India’s indigenous capabilities.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 2, 2025
Exhorted Team DRDO to continue moving ahead in sync with the rapidly-evolving technological… pic.twitter.com/EYJW6IEqOU
During his visit to DRDO Headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday on the occasion of the 67th foundation day of the organisation, the defence minister hailed DRDO for equipping the armed forces with indigenous state-of-the-art technologies and equipment, and boosting the defence sector through collaboration with the private sector.
#WATCH | Delhi | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds a meeting with senior DRDO scientists at the DRDO headquarters. pic.twitter.com/hXfnkg0ecy
— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2025
Urging DRDO to continue moving ahead in sync with the rapidly evolving technological ecosystem, and keep coming out with products that are relevant to the changing times, the defence minister expressed confidence that DRDO will play a crucial role in achieving the objectives set for the ‘Year of Reforms’ (2025). He said each lab of DRDO should identify two to three critical projects, which should be completed by 2025. “By the next foundation year, we should have 100 such projects completed.”
Singh asked DRDO to identify more areas where the organisation can cooperate with the private sector, emphasising that a nation can only progress when all stakeholders work together.
He also proposed the idea of exploring the possibility of including start-ups in its R&D efforts, saying this would promote valuable exchange of ideas and provide an opportunity for the Indian defence sector to come out with innovative technologies according to the changing times.
“DRDO can play the role of a catalyst for other similar organisations, academia, industry, etc., which can help in bringing a technological revolution in the country. A new ecosystem can be created, which focuses on defence as well as dual-technology areas that can bring about a transformative change for civilian users,” said Singh.
