Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday credited Operation Sindoor and the performance of indigenous military equipment for a surge in global interest in Indian-made defence products. Addressing the Controllers’ Conference 2025 at DRDO Bhawan, Singh said the success of Indian soldiers and indigenous systems during the operation has opened up new international opportunities.
“The world is looking towards our defence sector. The valour our soldiers showed in Operation Sindoor and the way we showcased our domestic equipment has led to increased demand for indigenous defence products,” Singh said.
He noted that global military spending in 2024 has crossed USD 2.7 trillion, presenting India with a vast export opportunity. Highlighting the magnitude of India’s own defence spending, Singh said the country’s defence budget now surpasses the GDP of several nations, placing a responsibility on the ministry to use resources effectively and strategically.
Singh praised the Defence Acquisition Council’s recent decision to permit capital procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), describing it as a progressive move toward transparency and efficiency. He also revealed that work is ongoing on a Comprehensive Pay System and centralised personnel database for the armed forces.
The Defence Minister stressed that the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) plays a crucial role not just in financial management but also in supporting frontline soldiers, stating: “This department is not just about managing accounts on paper—it is a key pillar of our security system. When you work with honesty, it directly supports the soldiers guarding our borders.”
The three-day Controllers’ Conference, themed “Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics,” is aimed at modernising DAD into a future-ready institution. The event gathers top military, civil service, academic, and policy leaders to discuss reforms and strategic financial governance.
Key Highlights of the Conference and DAD Initiatives:
- SAMPURNA: An AI-based automated platform for procurement and payments.
- SPARSH: A digital pension delivery system now serving over 32 lakh pensioners.
- SPARSH VAN: A mobile outreach unit offering pension services directly to veterans.
- e-Raksha Awaas: Automated rent recovery generating over ₹2,700 crore in rent bills.
- Defence Travel System (DTS) and AI-based procurement tools to enhance efficiency.
Managing a defence budget of ₹6.8 lakh crore, including ₹1.7 lakh crore for pensions, DAD is undergoing a strategic transformation under the guidance of the Defence Minister. The new institutional motto “Alert, Agile, Adaptive” will also be officially launched during the event.
This transformation aligns with India’s larger goal of becoming a self-reliant defence power, with financial structures and innovations designed to support strategic autonomy and global competitiveness.