CNN-News18 Town Hall returns with ‘The Defence Edition’ to celebrate India's strength, strategy and self-reliance

New Delhi, June 26, 2025 — CNN-News18, one of India’s premier English news networks, has brought back its widely acclaimed Town Hall series, this time with a unique and timely focus — The Defence Edition. Held in the capital, the special edition of the Town Hall celebrated the indomitable strength, strategic evolution, and growing self-reliance of India’s defence sector, aligning with the nation’s broader “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision.

The event drew a host of top policymakers, military veterans, defence analysts, and industry stakeholders who offered deep insights into India’s contemporary security challenges, indigenous defence manufacturing, and geopolitical positioning. The Town Hall not only provided a stage for dialogue but also showcased India’s transformation into a formidable military-industrial power.

Power-Packed Panels and Policy Perspectives

The event featured exclusive conversations with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat, and HAL CMD CB Ananthakrishnan, among other influential voices.

“India is no longer just a buyer of defence equipment, we are now creators of cutting-edge technology,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He highlighted key achievements such as the development of the Tejas fighter jet, the Agni-V missile, and a rapidly expanding drone warfare ecosystem.

Discussions ranged from India's border management strategies and its two-front threat scenario to cybersecurity threats and artificial intelligence in modern warfare. Senior defence officials reiterated India's readiness to deter any aggression with enhanced surveillance, interoperability, and indigenous arsenal.

Atmanirbhar Bharat: Defence as the New Growth Frontier

A major highlight was the focus on the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and India’s renewed push towards indigenisation. Over the past three years, India has steadily increased the share of domestic procurement in defence contracts, touching nearly 68% in 2024.

Dr. Laxman Behera, defence economist at Jawaharlal Nehru University, stated, “With ₹1.5 lakh crore allocated for capital expenditure in defence this year, over ₹1 lakh crore is earmarked for domestic manufacturers. That’s a huge boost for MSMEs and public-private partnerships.”

He added that India’s evolving defence exports — which crossed ₹21,000 crore in FY24 — underscore the global credibility of Indian platforms like BrahMos, Akash missiles, and military vehicles.

Strategic Imperatives in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

The Town Hall also addressed the need for strategic clarity amid escalating global tensions. From the Indo-Pacific security dynamics to the Russia-Ukraine war and China’s assertiveness, experts agreed that India’s defence strategy must remain proactive, technology-driven, and multi-domain focused.

Retired Lt Gen. DS Hooda noted, “Our biggest challenge isn’t just conventional threats, but hybrid warfare — cyberattacks, disinformation, and space-based surveillance. India’s response must be as asymmetrical as these threats.”

Further, discussions on India’s defence diplomacy — including military exercises like Malabar and defence collaborations with France, the U.S., and Israel — highlighted the country’s growing clout as a regional security provider.

Investor Outlook: Defence Stocks in the Spotlight

The buzz generated by the Defence Edition has amplified investor interest in India’s listed defence players. Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Bharat Dynamics, and Cochin Shipyard saw mild upticks on Thursday in response to the renewed emphasis on self-reliance.

Amrita Shah, defence sector analyst at Motilal Oswal, said: “The government’s push, combined with global supply chain realignment and an increase in defence FDI, makes Indian defence a sunrise sector. Investors should watch HAL, BEL, and L&T Defence, as they are poised to benefit from upcoming tenders and export opportunities.”

She noted that retail and institutional participation in defence PSUs has risen sharply over the past year, with most defence-related indices outperforming the Nifty benchmark.

CNN-News18's Editorial Leadership and National Discourse

The Town Hall format, spearheaded by CNN-News18’s editorial team led by Zakka Jacob and Shreya Dhoundial, stood out for its incisive moderation and comprehensive coverage. Their in-depth discussions cut through jargon, offering viewers insights into what India’s defence readiness truly entails.

CNN-News18 CEO Smriti Mehra commented, “Through The Defence Edition, we have not only brought the spotlight on critical defence issues but also encouraged public engagement in matters of national security. It’s part of our larger mission to inform, inspire and initiate national conversations.”

The Road Ahead: Building a Secure, Self-Reliant India

India’s defence transformation is not just about building missiles and tanks; it is a broader narrative of resilience, innovation, and strategic foresight. The CNN-News18 Town Hall – The Defence Edition served as a powerful reminder of India’s aspirations to become a net exporter of defence capabilities while securing its sovereignty in an increasingly volatile world.

With geopolitical uncertainties continuing to dominate headlines, India’s emphasis on preparedness, partnerships, and production capabilities will shape not just its own future, but regional and global peace.