To strengthen India’s defence and internal security ecosystem the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 December 2025. The agreement which is aims to foster collaboration in research, education, training, and technology support, aligning with India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and enhanced national security during Amrit Kaal.
Signing of the MoU
- The MoU was signed at South Block, New Delhi by Dr Chandrika Kaushik, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Production Coordination & Services Interaction), DRDO, and Prof. (Dr) Bimal N Patel, Vice Chancellor of RRU.
- The signing took place in the presence of Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Defence.
- Also present on the occasion was Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership.
Objectives of the MoU
- The primary objective of the MoU is to strengthen India’s self reliance in defense and internal security technologies.
- It seeks to integrate technology development, academic research, and operational insight to address present and future security challenges.
- Another key aim is to reinforce India’s strategic autonomy, particularly in internal security domains handled by agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Role of Rashtriya Raksha University
- Rashtriya Raksha University is an institution of national importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is designated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as the Nodal Centre for Defence Studies.
- RRU brings strong capabilities in internal security studies, training, policy research, and capacity-building for security forces.
- Its academic and training expertise will complement DRDO’s technological strengths, creating a robust ecosystem for applied research and skill development.
Role of DRDO
- DRDO is India’s premier defense research and development organization, responsible for developing indigenous technologies and defense systems for the Armed Forces and security agencies.
- Through this MoU, DRDO will contribute system-level expertise, advanced technologies, and life cycle management experience to support internal security forces.
Key Areas of Collaboration
- Under the MoU, both institutions will work together on joint research projects, PhD and fellowship programmes, and specialized training and capacity-building initiatives for security forces.
- The collaboration will also cover studies on emerging operational challenges, technology gap analysis, and forecasting of future requirements.
- An important component is the life cycle management of DRDO-developed systems inducted into the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Key Takeaways
- DRDO and Rashtriya Raksha University signed an MoU on 22 December 2025.
- The agreement focuses on research, education, training, and technology support.
- It aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the whole of nation approach.
- The MoU was signed in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
- RRU is an institution of national importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Question
Q. The MoU between DRDO and RRU aims primarily to:
A. Promote international defence exports
B. Strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence and internal security technologies
C. Set up joint naval bases abroad
D. Reduce defence spending