Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – In a stirring call to arms, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the imperative of self-reliance as India faces a double threat on its borders and grapples with the emergence of new dimensions of warfare. Speaking at a defence dialogue on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ organized by the STRIVE think-tank, a veterans’ initiative, and a prominent media organization, the Raksha Mantri urged the nation to seize the opportunity to become a global military power.
Describing a strong and self-reliant military as the cornerstone of a sovereign nation, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that it not only safeguards the borders but also preserves the country’s civilization and culture. He underlined the government’s commitment, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to ensuring that the Armed Forces are not dependent on foreign weapons and equipment, emphasizing the critical importance of self-sufficiency, particularly during times of crisis.
The Raksha Mantri shed light on the paradigm shift brought about by technological advancements in warfare, stressing the urgent need to develop cutting-edge indigenous weapons and platforms that equip and prepare the Armed Forces to tackle emerging challenges. With electronic-based systems dominating the modern battlefield and potentially revealing sensitive information to adversaries, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the necessity of going beyond conventional boundaries to achieve self-reliance in niche technologies. He asserted that the bravery of soldiers must be complemented by state-of-the-art weapons and equipment to position India as a global military powerhouse.
Beyond reducing import expenditure, Shri Rajnath Singh outlined the manifold advantages of self-reliance, asserting that it would benefit not only the defense sector but also enhance the standard of living for all citizens. He called for the development of dual-use technology that strengthens both the defense and civilian sectors, providing a win-win scenario for national security and societal progress.
Enumerating the government’s initiatives to create a robust defense ecosystem, Raksha Mantri highlighted the establishment of Defense Industrial Corridors (DIC) in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. He also underscored the allocation of a record-breaking 75% of the defense capital procurement budget for the domestic industry in the upcoming fiscal year. Furthermore, the Raksha Mantri emphasized the commitment of 25% of the research and development budget to the private industry, along with initiatives like Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) and the Technology Development Fund aimed at promoting start-ups.
Regarding the progress of the Uttar Pradesh DIC, Shri Rajnath Singh announced that 95% of the 1,700-hectare land has been acquired, with 36 industries and institutions already allotted nearly 600 hectares. With 109 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed, totaling an estimated investment value exceeding Rs 16,000 crore, the corridor is poised to become a major hub for defense manufacturing. It will not only produce spare parts but also assemble drones/unmanned aerial vehicles, engage in electronic warfare, and manufacture aircraft and BrahMos missiles.
India’s defense production crosses Rs one lakh crore; Nearly Rs 16,000 crore in exports during the previous fiscal year – Raksha Mantri
Highlighting the government’s achievements, the Raksha Mantri celebrated the nation’s defense production of over Rs one lakh crore and nearly Rs 16,000 crore in exports during the previous fiscal year. He expressed confidence that defense exports will soon surpass the Rs 20,000 crore mark, asserting that India is progressing at an unprecedented pace towards Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047. The ultimate goal is to establish an economically powerful and entirely self-reliant India that serves as a net defense exporter.
Chief Nodal Officer for the Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd), along with esteemed officers from the Armed Forces, DRDO, and representatives from the industry and academia, attended the event, underscoring the collaborative efforts towards achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The call to arms by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh resonated with a sense of urgency and determination, urging every citizen to recognize the critical role they play in building a formidable and self-sufficient nation.
As India faces the challenges of a double border threat and evolving dimensions of warfare, the time has come to unite, invest in indigenous technologies, and strengthen the nation’s military backbone. Together, let us march towards a future where India stands tall as a global military power, ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of our great nation.
