Rajnath Singh Says IIT Mandi Expected to Contribute New Research in Defence with AI Technology: Yeh Dil Maange More
Rajnath Singh’s speech at 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi, was not just an address on how great the institution has fared and achieved. It was an exhortation for the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators to continue to play a proactive role in making India more self-reliant in indigenous production for the defence sector. IIT Mandi’s efforts toward the advancement and development of research in AI technology may prove to have an outsized impact on the future of women’s rights in India.
Rajnath Singh, Defense Minister
Mandi, Feb 24: In a significant announcement, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh urged the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi to step up its work in the defence field, especially on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Addressing the 16th Foundation Day celebrations of IIT Mandi, Singh said IIT Mandi’s association with the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had shown good results and expressed hope that they would do even greater work saying, “Yeh Dil Maange More”.
The defense minister’s call to action comes at a crucial point for India’s defense industry, which has witnessed significant transformation in the last few decades. The use of AI in defense strategies and innovations has the power to transform the defense sector, as with technology emerging as the critical element of every sphere of life, the future of warfare, particularly in the context of India’s military, will be built on smarter capabilities and automation.
AI in Defense: A New Frontier
Rajnath Singh’s address made it clear that new research initiatives are imperative for bolstering India’s defense sector with AI technologies. He was particularly enthusiastic about how AI could be a key component in new systems for defense. As global sectors have already begun to employ AI, Singh’s appeal for its inclusion into Indian defense strategy coincides with the country’s growing prioritization of tech-based upgrades within defense functionality and advancements.
He further said that it was high time for Indian research institutions like IIT Mandi to harness AI for innovative technology projects, keeping the country ahead in the field of defence. Singh noted that the potential of AI in defence could be utilized to develop more intelligent weapons systems, autonomous vehicles, better surveillance capabilities, as well as more effective data-based approaches to national security.
“And the future of defense is going to be shaped by AI,” Singh said, which could lead to a major enhancement of the country’s defense capabilities, which can be achieved through developing and embedding artificial intelligence into existing systems.
A Historic Day for the Indian Defense Industry
Rajnath Singh also noted the progress made by India in the field of defence manufacturing, noting a significant change in India’s defence procurement policy. Previously, India was depended on foreign countries to meet its defense materials needs, he said, adding that about 70 per cent equipment used in defense were imported. Now India manufactures 70% of its defense material at home, the narrative having changed from the past.
This change is a big virtue for the country’s defence industry and a proof of the capabilities of Indian researchers and manufacturers. “So, it is a matter of great pride that the material for the defense of our nation is now being produced from the hands of the people here,” Singh said, expressing pride in that transformation.
Self-reliance in defense manufacturing is key to India’s strategic autonomy, making the country an emerging defense power. Singh also went on to say that the country has begun selling defense material abroad, with an export figure of ₹23,000 crores in 2023-24, which is commendable. In addition, the target for defense exports is set to increase to ₹50,000 crores in 2029, showcasing India’s evolving influence in the international defense market.
Contribution of IIT Mandi in National Development
Speaking to the students at the event, Rajnath Singh gave his own definition of IIT, saying, `IIT is Initiate, Improve and Transform. The students were encouraged by Singh to excel and work towards the nation’s development with their innovations. He asked them to perceive IIT not merely as a part of their academic journey, but as an institute that would enable them to change the course of the country’s future.
Connecting India’s rising global status with the youth dividend, Singh said India had become the fifth-largest economy of the world. He predicted that India would emerge as the 3rd largest economy in next few years leveraging tech innovation and investments in various sectors like Defence.
“Believe big, don’t use your small ideas,” Singh advised the students. “No one ever becomes great with a small mind and no one never stands up with a broken mind,” former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee once said. Believe the power inside you and keep pushing,” he said.
The defense minister also took a dig at some of the skeptics of India’s traditional values in the backdrop of the ongoing debates about Sanatan Dharma. He defended the faith in a “super power” and worked to reiterate the fact that India’s spiritual power was not something to be underestimated.
Structured Collaboration for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Singh’s remarks highlighted the need for close collaboration between educational institutions such as IIT Mandi, government agencies such as DRDO and the defence sector in making a contribution to the future of India’s defence industry. He said that the combined efforts of academia, research institutions and the defence industry were key to achieve the national security goals and make India a front-runner in the global defence landscape.
He also congratulated the work that IIT Mandi was doing in partnership with DRDO, stating that the institute had already contributed to India’s defense sector. Owing that its always good to have, more the better,” urging IIT Mandi to keep innovating in defence domain.
Pillars of the Ceremony and Recognizing Meritorious Student
Several prominent dignitaries, such as former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, CM’s Principal Advisor Gokul Butail, BJP MLA from Drang Purna Chand Thakur, Balh MLA Inder Singh Gandhi, IIT Mandi’s Board of Governors (BOG) chief Colonel Dhillon, and IIT Mandi’s Director Prof. Laxmidhar Behera graced the ceremony.
Rajnath Singh Nhonored several meritorious students with awards at the end of the event for their academic achievements. These awards were a reflection of the institution’s zeal in promoting excellence and modelling the future leaders of the country.
Towards the Future: Enhancing India’s Defense Capabilities
The success of IIT Mandi in its quest to introduce AI technology into its national defense research holds great promise for India’s defense sector. The transition from purchase to self-reliance in defense manufacturing thanks to government push, in addition to the increasing role of educational institutions in initiatives related to national security, constitutes an exciting phase in India’s growth as a global defense power.
As Rajnath Singh has urged for it, the incorporation of AI technology in defense will further enhance India’s defense prowess, making sure that the nation is battle-ready for the complex security challenges of the 21st Century। IIT Mandi and other military institutions are setting the way for India to become a leading player in defense technology.
Rajnath Singh’s speech at 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi, was not just an address on how great the institution has fared and achieved. It was an exhortation for the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators to continue to play a proactive role in making India more self-reliant in indigenous production for the defence sector. IIT Mandi’s efforts toward the advancement and development of research in AI technology may prove to have an outsized impact on the future of women’s rights in India.
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