Rs 3,00,000 Cr annual defence production & Rs 50,000 Cr exports expected by 2028-29 : Rajnath Singh

Shri Rajnath Singh termed ‘giving priority to long-termism and long-term gains’ as the main difference between the present Government and the previous dispensations. ..He enumerated the reforms undertaken in the defence sector for long-term gains in the last few years, including creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff and setting up of the Department of Military Affairs which has enhanced jointness, synergy and smooth coordination among the three Services.

On the major steps taken in the field of defence manufacturing, the Raksha Mantri said the Ministry of Defence notified five positive indigenisation lists of the Services, comprising over 500 items, and four other lists, with over 4,600 items for DPSUs,to ensure that the soldiers use made in India weapons and platforms. He also referred to the decision to earmark 75% of the capital acquisition budget for procurement from local companies. He added that some people were of the view that indigenous weapons won’t be world class; however, the government believes in the capabilities of the domestic industry and that they can consistently improve & deliver state-of-the-art products.

He pointed out that the Government’s persistent efforts towards self-reliance have started to bear fruit as the defence production has crossed Rs one lakh crore. Shri Rajnath Singh was of the view that through initiatives like setting up defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the Government is making sure that modern military hardware is not only manufactured in India, but also exported to friendly countries. “Earlier, India was known to be an arms importer. But today, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, we have come out of our comfort zone and found a place in the list of top-25 arms exporter nations.Seven-eight years ago, defence exports did not even touch Rs 1,000 crore. Today, it has touched Rs 16,000 crore. By 2028-29, annual defence production is expected to touch Rs three lakh crore and defence exports Rs 50,000 crore,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh described it as the Government’s aim to manufacture high-end systems like aero-engines and gas turbines in India in the coming five years... He highlighted the Government’s efforts towards infrastructure development, such as Sagarmala & PM Gati Shakti schemes, as well as towards social welfare, which are ensuring holistic development of the country. He said the government has been working on big long-term infrastructure projects, wherein the outcome is visible after 5-10 years, underlining the Prime Minister’s clear vision to create next generation infrastructure for future generations.