- Raksha Mantri emphasized greater private sector participation in defence manufacturing and R&D investment. - The SIDM Champion Awards 2026 highlight the contributions of domestic industry toward achieving self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence. - Highlighting the shift from buyer-seller paradigm to co-development and co-production with Indian industry. - **SIDM:** The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers is the apex industry body representing private and public sector defense manufacturers in India, acting as a crucial interface between the government, armed forces, and industry. - **Ministry of Defence:** The central government ministry charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security and the Indian Armed Forces. **Introduction** Raksha Mantri presented the SIDM Champion Awards 2026, stressing the crucial role of private sector participation, increased R&D investment, and building indigenous manufacturing capacity to achieve comprehensive self-reliance in India's defence sector. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - Raksha Mantri emphasized greater private sector participation in defence manufacturing and R&D investment. - The SIDM Champion Awards 2026 highlight the contributions of domestic industry toward achieving self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence. - Highlighting the shift from buyer-seller paradigm to co-development and co-production with Indian industry. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **SIDM:** The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers is the apex industry body representing private and public sector defense manufacturers in India, acting as a crucial interface between the government, armed forces, and industry. - **Ministry of Defence:** The central government ministry charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security and the Indian Armed Forces.