Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) [India], February 24: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the need for India to develop Indigenous AI chips and advanced cybersecurity systems to safeguard the nation’s defense and technological infrastructure. Addressing the 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi, Singh urged the students to contribute to the country’s defense and security through innovation.
He emphasized the importance of creating an AI-powered war doctrine and the necessity of developing Indigenous AI chips tailored for defense purposes. “There is a need to develop firewalls to focus on cybersecurity, and I believe IIT Mandi can play an important role in this,” said Singh.
The Defence Minister also underscored the importance of fostering excellence in India’s aerospace and drone sectors, proposing the establishment of a “centre of excellence” in every IIT to accelerate research and development in these fields. He praised India’s strides in defense technology, highlighting the indigenously developed fighter aircraft, Tejas, and the country’s progress in aircraft and engine development.
Singh also commended India’s booming telecom sector and vibrant startup ecosystem. “India’s telecom sector ranks second in the world, and the country is emerging as the second-largest manufacturer of mobile handsets globally. With more than 1.25 lakh startups and 110 unicorns, India has become the third-largest startup ecosystem,” he remarked.
The Defence Minister highlighted key government initiatives aimed at promoting technological development, including the India Semiconductor Mission, India-AI Mission, and Mission on Advanced and High Impact Research (MAHIR). These programs aim to enhance cutting-edge technologies in fields such as clean energy solutions, smart grids, and quantum technologies.
“The government is taking proactive steps in developing critical and advanced technologies to lead the technological revolution and transform India,” said Singh, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and making India a leader in next-generation technologies.