Summary of coverage from News On AIR · Original article: 19 March 2026.
At the National Defence Industries Conclave in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for India to become a global centre for indigenous drone manufacturing, according to News On AIR. He framed domestic capability as part of strategic autonomy in an uncertain international environment.
The event also saw the launch of the fourteenth Defence India Startup Challenge and fourth ADITI challenge under iDEX. Singh highlighted opportunities for smaller firms in areas including artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, alongside government support for innovation and industrial growth.
Read the full report at News On AIR.