Abstract
For the soldier standing watch on the Line of Control, Atmanirbhar Bharat is not merely a national aspiration—it is measured by the reliability of the drone overhead, the clarity of the night-vision device, the availability of ammunition, and the speed with which essential equipment reaches the frontline. Drawing on the operational lessons of Operation SINDOOR, this article examines the widening gap between India’s ambitious vision of defence self-reliance and its delivery at the tactical edge. It highlights important achievements, including Tejas, BrahMos, Pinaka, ATAGS, indigenous helicopters and rising defence exports, while exposing continuing weaknesses in surveillance, electronic warfare, propulsion, advanced electronics, munitions and critical supply chains. The article argues for a pragmatic dual-track strategy: empower soldiers with timely, reliable capabilities today while building technological independence for tomorrow through faster procurement, decentralised decision-making, stronger industry–user partnerships and sustained investment in indigenous innovation.
Keywords: Atmanirbharta, Self-Reliance, Operational Realities, Indigenisation, Strategic Autonomy, Op SINDOOR
