India, Oct. 26 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's efforts to achieve 'atmanirbharta' in defence are entering the "second phase", asserting that innovators will play the role of "impact players" in the endeavour.

In his address at the plenary session of the Indian Navy's annual seminar Swavlamban 2026 here, he also suggested building a roadmap of specified areas in which self-reliance is needed, and the timelines for achieving those goals. The Navy is hosting the fifth edition of its flagship seminar at the Manekshaw Centre here on October 26 and 27. Chief of Defence Staff Gen N S Raja Subramani, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan were also present on the dais.

The defence mini...