India, Sept. 15 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday announced a series of new policy measures to deepen collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the private sector, with a particular focus on MSMEs and deep-tech startups. The initiatives, unveiled at the VIMARSH 2026 DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet in New Delhi, are aimed at accelerating indigenous defence manufacturing, encouraging innovation and reducing dependence on imports.

A key initiative is a new framework designed to lower technical and financial entry barriers for MSMEs and startups working in advanced technologies. The framework will provide direct funding, incubation support and dedicated access to DRDO's testing infrastructure, e...