Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stressed that India’s self-reliance, technological capability, and collective resolve will determine its role on the global stage in the coming decades, given the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. He said, “Our objective is to build an ecosystem where innovation, industry and self-reliance converge to further bolster the security prowess of New India.”
Rajnath Singh was speaking at the valedictory session of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Vadodara
“History teaches us that great nations stand on three essential pillars: economic strength, technological prowess, and national security. Economic prosperity and technological advancement reinforce national security, while a secure nation provides the stability that allows industry and innovation to flourish,” the Defence Minister stated, underscoring the need for enhanced collaborations to build a country with secure borders and a robust economy.
During his address, Singh stressed that Gujarat can play a pivotal role in achieving the goal of self-reliance because the state possesses a robust industrial base, a skilled workforce, and an entrepreneurial spirit. From advanced manufacturing to cutting-edge research, Gujarat has the potential to become a major hub for defence production and technology, the Defence Minister said. He made special mention of the Tata-Airbus Aircraft Complex in Vadodara for manufacturing C-295 transport aircraft.
Singh added that the K-9 Vajra, one of the world’s most advanced self-propelled artillery platforms boosting the Indian Army’s strike capability, is being manufactured in Gujarat.
Listing the milestones achieved due to the Union Government’s efforts, the Defence Minister said, “Today, domestic defence production has surged to a record high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore from just Rs 46,000 crore in 2014.”
He added that defence exports, which were less than Rs 1,000 crore, have soared to an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore.
“Under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, we are fostering indigenous capabilities in strategic sectors such as aerospace and defence. Initiatives such as Make-in-India, review of Defence Acquisition Procedure, and Technology Development Fund are playing a pivotal role in this direction,” the Defence Minister remarked.
He stated that the budgetary provisions for modernisation and capital procurement aim to encourage domestic industries and integrate them into the global supply chain.
“To boost investment, we have simplified the licensing process, and liberalised the FDI policy. Srijan Portal, iDEX, Defence Testing Infrastructure, Green Channel Certification, and Self-Certification have instilled confidence in small industries and start-ups. Through transparent policies, ease of doing business, mechanisms for technology transfer, testing infrastructure, and collaborative R&D frameworks, we are supporting our industrialists across every sector,” Singh said.
Pointing out that the warfare and economy of the future will be driven by chips, the Defence Minister expressed confidence that the semiconductor ecosystem being developed in Sanand and Dholera will serve as a cornerstone of India’s technological sovereignty.
“From artificial intelligence to quantum computing, and from cybersecurity to space technology, this ecosystem in Gujarat will strengthen us across every sector,” he stated.