Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) played a decisive role during Operation Sindoor, underlining its professionalism and commitment to safeguarding national interests. Addressing scientists and senior officials during his visit to the DRDO headquarters in New Delhi on January 1, 2026, he said the organisation’s weapon systems worked seamlessly during the operation, boosting the morale of soldiers.
The Minister also stated that DRDO would play a pivotal role in implementing the Sudarshan Chakra air defence initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day 2025 address. The visit coincided with DRDO’s 68th Foundation Day.
Key Takeaways on DRDO, Operation Sindoor and Sudarshan Chakra
- DRDO weapon systems played a decisive role during Operation Sindoor
- Rajnath Singh visited DRDO headquarters on January 1, 2026
- The visit marked DRDO’s 68th Foundation Day
- DRDO will play a key role in the Sudarshan Chakra air defence initiative
- The initiative aims to protect critical installations over the next decade
- Emphasis laid on innovation, deep tech, and next-generation technologies
- Collaboration with industry, start-ups, academia, and MSMEs highlighted
- Roadmap, targets, and reforms for 2026 were discussed
DRDO’s Role During Operation Sindoor
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said weapon systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation played a decisive role during Operation Sindoor. Addressing scientists and senior officials at the DRDO headquarters in New Delhi, he said the performance of these systems demonstrated the organisation’s professionalism and commitment towards safeguarding national interests.
According to the Minister, the equipment supplied by the DRDO worked seamlessly during the operation, significantly boosting the morale of soldiers. He noted that the reliable performance of indigenous technologies highlighted the growing maturity of India’s defence research ecosystem and strengthened the country’s preparedness in modern warfare scenarios.
Visit to DRDO Headquarters on Foundation Day
Source: PTI
Rajnath Singh was addressing the gathering during his visit to the DRDO headquarters on January 1, 2026, on the occasion of the organisation’s 68th Foundation Day. The event brought together senior scientists, officials, and leadership of the defence research body.
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Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth was present on the occasion. Director Generals, Corporate Directors, and other senior DRDO scientists and officials also attended the meeting, reflecting the significance of the Foundation Day and the Minister’s interaction with the organisation.
Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Initiative
The Defence Minister said the DRDO would play a pivotal role in the creation of Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious air defence initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day 2025 address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
Under the initiative, the DRDO will equip critical installations across the country with advanced air defence systems to ensure comprehensive aerial protection over the next decade. Rajnath Singh said the importance of air defence in modern warfare was clearly witnessed during Operation Sindoor.
Expressing confidence in the organisation, he said the DRDO would work with dedication and urgency to achieve the objectives of the Sudarshan Chakra initiative and strengthen India’s preparedness against evolving aerial threats.
Trust Building and Indigenous Defence Capability
Source: PTI
Rajnath Singh praised the DRDO not only as a technology creator but also as a trust builder. He said the organisation had emerged as a symbol of hope, certainty, and belief for the nation, as people increasingly look towards it with confidence.
He commended the DRDO for significantly bolstering India’s indigenous defence capabilities by equipping the armed forces with state-of-the-art technologies and equipment. According to him, the seamless performance of these systems during Operation Sindoor reflected years of sustained research and development efforts.
Collaboration With Industry, Start-ups and Academia
Acknowledging DRDO’s expanding collaboration with the private sector, academia, start-ups, and MSMEs, the Defence Minister said the increased engagement had resulted in the creation of a synergistic and vibrant defence ecosystem.
He noted visible improvements across processes, including procurement, project management, and industry engagement. These changes, he said, had made systems faster, easier, and more reliable, enabling smoother coordination and execution of defence projects.
Also Read: India’s Hypersonic Missile Breakthrough: A Game-Changer in Modern Warfare
The Minister called upon the DRDO to continue identifying areas that could further enhance private sector participation, while remaining aligned with the rapidly evolving global technological landscape.
Focus on Innovation and Next-Generation Technologies
Rajnath Singh urged the organisation to continue focusing on innovation, deep tech, and next-generation technologies. Appreciating the efforts being made in this direction, he said progress in advanced technologies would not only increase national capabilities but also strengthen the overall defence ecosystem.
He emphasised that the present era was not just of science, but of continuous development and constant learning. According to him, technology scanning, capability assessment, and future readiness were no longer just concepts, but essential requirements in a changing world.
Briefing on Achievements and Roadmap for 2026
During the visit, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V. Kamat briefed the Defence Minister on the organisation’s achievements in 2025 and its ongoing research and development activities.
The briefing also covered initiatives aimed at promoting industry participation, start-ups, and academia, along with the roadmap, major targets set for 2026, and various reforms being undertaken to further strengthen the organisation.
Strategic Importance in a Changing Warfare Landscape
The Defence Minister highlighted that technology, innovation, and new warfare domains were advancing rapidly, making continuous learning essential. He said the DRDO must keep challenging itself and remain future-ready to meet emerging defence requirements.
By linking lessons from Operation Sindoor with future initiatives like Sudarshan Chakra, the Minister underscored the strategic importance of sustained research, indigenous capability development, and adaptive defence planning in safeguarding national interests.
Purpose of Human Life
Beyond advancements in defence technology and national security preparedness, such developments also prompt reflection on the broader purpose of human life. While progress in science, innovation, and protection of national interests is essential, many spiritual perspectives emphasise that human life carries a deeper responsibility beyond material achievements alone.
According to spiritual teachings, the human form is considered rare and meaningful, meant for understanding the true purpose of existence. Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains, on the basis of holy scriptures, that true devotion (Bhakti) is the central aim of human life. He teaches that spiritual knowledge, when understood as per scriptures, helps individuals recognise their identity beyond the physical body and guides them towards liberation.
Such teachings stress that along with duties towards society and the nation, understanding the spiritual goal of life brings balance, discipline, and clarity. This perspective highlights that material progress and spiritual awareness can coexist, each reinforcing responsible conduct, ethical living, and long-term well-being.
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FAQs on DRDO, Operation Sindoor and Sudarshan Chakra
1. What did Rajnath Singh say about DRDO’s role in Operation Sindoor?
He said DRDO weapon systems played a decisive role and boosted soldier morale during the operation.
2. What is the Sudarshan Chakra initiative?
It is an air defence initiative to equip critical installations with advanced systems over the next decade.
3. When did Rajnath Singh visit the DRDO headquarters?
He visited the DRDO headquarters on January 1, 2026.
4. Why was the visit to DRDO significant?
The visit coincided with DRDO’s 68th Foundation Day.
5. Who briefed the Defence Minister on DRDO’s roadmap?
Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, briefed the Minister.
