Before India became an independent nation in 1947, the defence of the country was the responsibility of the Defence Department (under the British rule). Soon after India became independent, the Defence Department became the Ministry of Defence, headed by a Minister of the Cabinet Rank.

According to the Constitution of India, the President of India is the the supreme commander of the Armed Forces and executive responsibility for national defence rests with the Union Cabinet of which Defence Minister is an important member. The official designation of the Defence Minister is Raksha Mantri (RM) who is assisted by a Ministry of State called Rajya Raksha Mantry (RRM) assisting the RM. Sometimes there maybe more than one RRM.

• Laser Science and Technology Centre, Defence Research and Development Organisation
• Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organisation
• Solid State Physics Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organization