India has proved its supremacy in tech-driven warfare

India has scaled up its defence capacity substantially over the last decade and credited Prime Minister Modi for providing an enabling ecosystem for scientific growth

Modern warfare is entirely technology-driven and India’s supremacy has been proven over the last four days, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said. Addressing the National Technology Day celebration at the Ambedkar International Centre here, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has successfully developed and deployed home-grown technologies that have significantly enhanced national security and defence capabilities.

India has scaled up its defence capacity substantially over the last decade and credited Prime Minister Modi for providing an enabling ecosystem for scientific growth. “India was never short of talent, but now we have leadership that fosters innovation,” he said. “Most of the technologies used today in defence are indigenously developed, and it is Prime Minister Modi who instilled the confidence in us to seek Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” Singh said.

Recalling the origins of National Technology Day, Dr Singh noted that the day was first celebrated in 1998 to commemorate the successful Pokhran nuclear tests, conceptualised by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “The idea that inspired us in 1998 has matured under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, transforming India into a global technology leader,” he added. Dr Singh highlighted that indigenisation has been a top priority since 2014, with Prime Minister Modi’s consistent push for self-reliance.

“India is no longer dependent on external powers. Our success in modern warfare is a reflection of the progress towards Viksit Bharat @2047,” he remarked. Expressing his satisfaction with scientific advancements, Dr Singh lauded the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) for supporting pioneering initiatives, including the 1000-drone show during the Beating Retreat ceremony. He noted that drones, once symbolic, are now central to India’s evolving defence ecosystem.

The union Minister appreciated TDB’s annual tradition of setting a new theme and highlighted this year’s theme, ‘YANTRA’, which signifies transformation through advanced research and technological acceleration. Highlighting India’s  remarkable progress in science, technology, and innovation, Dr Singh noted several key achievements that reflect the country’s growing global stature.

He pointed out India’s impressive leap in the Global Innovation Index, moving from the 81st to the 39th position, and the fact that nearly 56 per cent of patents are now filed by resident Indians — demonstrating a surge in domestic innovation. The event was also attended by Padma Bhushan Ajai Chowdhary, who emphasised the “Whole of Nation” approach to reducing dependence on foreign technology, and endorsed initiatives like Anusandhan NRF for achieving true Aatmanirbharta. Dr Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST; Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT; Dr Rajesh Pathak, Secretary TDB; senior officials, scientists, and dignitaries from the science and technology community were also present on the occasion.