Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) [India], February 24 (ANI): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the necessity to make Indigenous AI chips for defence and firewalls to ensure the cyber security of the nation.

Addressing 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, Rajnath Singh encouraged the students to contribute to the development and safety of the country.

'India needs to create its own AI-powered war doctrine. It is necessary to make Indigenous AI chips for defense. There is a need to develop firewalls to focus on cyber security. I believe that IIT Mandi can play an important role in this,' Rajnath Singh said.

Additionally, the Defence Minister highlighted the need for a centre of excellence in every IIT to boost the drones and Aerospace sector.

'India is building its own fighter aircraft-Tejas. We are working to take the work of aircraft and engine development to the next level. You understand very well the importance of drones. I believe that to accelerate the drones and aerospace sector, there should be a centre of excellence in at least every IIT,' Singh said.

The Defence Minister lauded India's telecom sector and 'Startup Ecosystem, saying that India is 'moving ahead and changing the world.

'India's telecom sector ranks second in the world. India is also emerging as the second-largest manufacturer of mobile handsets in the world. With more than 1.25 lakh startups and 110 UNICORN, India has also emerged as the third-largest 'Startup Ecosystem' in the world. In the field of technological revolution, India is also moving ahead with the changing world. Understanding the importance of Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Technologies, the Government of India is also making proactive efforts in this direction,' Singh said.

He highlighted government initiatives such as India Semiconductor Mission, India-AI Mission and Mission on Advanced and High Impact Research promoted technological development in the country.

'Our government is taking several initiatives to promote such critical and cutting-edge technological development. Be it the India Semiconductor Mission launched in 2021 or the India-AI Mission. Similarly, the Government of India launched the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications in 2020. Mission on Advanced and High Impact Research, i.e. MAHIR, was started in the year 2023. Its objective is to accelerate the research, development and performance of modern technologies such as clean energy solutions and smart grids,' Singh said. (ANI)