During the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for sustained investment in research to enhance India's military preparedness amid rapid technological advancements. He emphasized that the future of warfare is being shaped in laboratories and highlighted Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan in response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Singh noted that this operation demonstrated the capabilities of the Indian military and the importance of maintaining the element of surprise in warfare. He pointed out the rapid evolution of conflicts, referencing the shift in warfare tactics observed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Singh revealed that 25% of the defence research and development budget has been allocated to industry and academia, with over ₹4,500 crore already utilized. Furthermore, he announced that Indian industries now have free access to DRDO patents and that its testing facilities are available to industry partners, fostering collaboration and innovation.