Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday stated that the demand for the country's arms and ammunition was growing in the international market in the post-Operation Sindoor scenario.
Highlighting the stellar show of indigenous weaponry during Operation Sindoor, India's counter-terror operation on Pakistani territory in May, the minister underlined that with the world's military expenditure nearly touching the $3 trillion mark, a huge market was ready to be explored by the country's military-industrial complex.
"The world is looking towards our Defence sector. The valour that our soldiers have shown during Operation Sindoor, as well as the way we showcased the capabilities of our domestic equipment, has led to an increase in demand for our indigenous defence products. World military expenditure has increased to over $2.7 trillion in 2024 - such a big market is awaiting us,” Singh said in his address at the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) in New Delhi.
Notably, Operation Sindoor saw the successful deployment of the Akash missile system, where it neutralised a number of Pakistani drones and missiles that were fired at the nation's military bases from Jammu and Kashmir in the north to Gujarat in the west.
Besides, India's locally developed and manufactured counter-drone systems, and the Akashteer air defence shield played their part in eliminating threats posed by waves of Pakistani aerial attacks during the 100 hours hostilities between the two nuclear armed neighbours.
Also, Singh noted that India was "entering a new phase of re-armament" with domestically manufactured military equipment being inducted in the armed forces at a rapid pace.
"Until recently, defence budgets were not seen as part of the national economy. Today, they are growth drivers. Most of the equipment we once imported is now being made in India. Our reforms are succeeding because of the clarity of vision and commitment at the highest level," he asserted.