- Raksha Mantri called for 'Aatmanirbharta 2.0', emphasizing the next leap in defence self-reliance at SWAVLAMBAN 2026. - The focus has shifted towards fostering deep-tech innovations, scaling up domestic manufacturing, and enhancing private sector and start-up participation in defence production. - India aims to reduce import dependence and position itself as a global defense exporter by leveraging indigenous research and development. - **Aatmanirbharta 2.0:** The next phase of India's defence self-reliance initiative, focusing on deep-tech innovation, advanced domestic manufacturing, and globally competitive technology goals to secure strategic interests. - **SWAVLAMBAN 2026:** The Indian Navy's flagship innovation and indigenisation seminar series designed to bridge gaps through startups, MSMEs, academia, and armed forces collaboration. - **iDEX:** A Ministry of Defence flagship initiative launched to foster innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace by engaging startups, MSMEs, and academia through grants and challenges. **Introduction** At the SWAVLAMBAN 2026 event, the Raksha Mantri introduced 'Aatmanirbharta 2.0', charting the next phase of India's defence self-reliance by emphasizing deep-tech innovation, enhanced collaboration with start-ups, and a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem to secure national strategic interests. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - Raksha Mantri called for 'Aatmanirbharta 2.0', emphasizing the next leap in defence self-reliance at SWAVLAMBAN 2026. - The focus has shifted towards fostering deep-tech innovations, scaling up domestic manufacturing, and enhancing private sector and start-up participation in defence production. - India aims to reduce import dependence and position itself as a global defense exporter by leveraging indigenous research and development. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Aatmanirbharta 2.0:** The next phase of India's defence self-reliance initiative, focusing on deep-tech innovation, advanced domestic manufacturing, and globally competitive technology goals to secure strategic interests. - **SWAVLAMBAN 2026:** The Indian Navy's flagship innovation and indigenisation seminar series designed to bridge gaps through startups, MSMEs, academia, and armed forces collaboration. - **iDEX:** A Ministry of Defence flagship initiative launched to foster innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace by engaging startups, MSMEs, and academia through grants and challenges.