Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 1: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday lauded the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for its pivotal role in strengthening India’s defence capabilities, particularly highlighting the effectiveness of its weapon systems during Operation Sindoor. Speaking on the occasion of DRDO’s 68th Foundation Day, Singh said the operation underscored the organisation’s professionalism, scientific excellence, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding national interests.
In a message shared on social media, the Defence Minister said he visited the DRDO headquarters in New Delhi to celebrate the foundation day and personally appreciated the scientists and personnel for equipping the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art indigenous technologies and platforms. He extended greetings to all DRDO personnel and their families, highlighting their vital contribution to India’s defence preparedness and Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence.
Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that DRDO will play a central role in the Sudarshan Chakra initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day 2025 address. The initiative aims to deploy an advanced air defence system to safeguard vital installations over the next decade.
Reflecting on Operation Sindoor, Singh noted the critical importance of air defence in modern warfare and emphasized DRDO’s capability to achieve this mission efficiently.
The Defence Minister praised DRDO not only as a technology creator but also as a trust builder, fostering confidence and hope among citizens. He highlighted the organisation’s growing collaboration with the private sector, academia, start-ups, and MSMEs, which has helped create a synergistic defence ecosystem. Singh noted that DRDO has consistently improved its processes—from project management and procurement to industry engagement—making defence innovation more efficient, reliable, and impactful.
Calling upon the organisation to remain aligned with the rapidly evolving global technological landscape, Singh urged DRDO to continue focusing on innovation, future-ready technologies, and deep tech that can expand private sector participation and strengthen India’s defence ecosystem. He emphasized that the current era demands continuous learning, technology scanning, and capability assessment, warning that yesterday’s knowledge can quickly become obsolete in the fast-changing world of defence and innovation.
Formed in 1958 under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, DRDO originated from the merger of the Technical Development Establishment, the Directorate of Technical Development and Production of Indian Ordnance Factories, and the Defence Science Organisation. Today, the organisation comprises around 5,000 scientists from the DRDS and 25,000 technical and support personnel, collectively driving India’s technological self-reliance and defence strength.
On this milestone day, defence minister Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO’s contributions to national security, innovation, and strategic autonomy, while urging the organisation to continue developing cutting-edge technologies to meet the challenges of modern warfare and future defence readiness.