India needs more R&D, innovation, and creation of cutting-edge technologies such as AI to become self-reliant in defence production, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on September 19 while inaugurating the 7th edition of Engineers Conclave 2019 in Bengaluru. 

Defence Minister said the Indian defence industry had not performed to its full potential in the past that led to the country’s overwhelming dependence on imported arms. He emphasized that developing critical and cutting-edge technologies indigenously will make the country self-sufficient, saving the precious foreign exchange, which could be utilized in other development activities in the country. He described continuous innovation as the key to success for any nation, given the fast pace at which technology becomes obsolete every passing day.

“It is well said that when nations go to war, the one with the best technology is most likely to win,” said Rajnath Singh.

Stressing on the need for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Defence, Rajnath Singh said AI is capable of bringing significant transformations in the way future military operations would be conducted. He said the Government has already prepared a roadmap for making India a significant power of AI application in Defence.

Rajnath Singh emphasized on technology and innovation in the defence sector as it has enormous spin-off benefits for the masses as well.