In a significant address at the 'DefConnect 2024' conference, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored India's imperative need to bolster domestic manufacturing in the defence sector, highlighting the Modi government's commitment to achieving self-reliance and strategic autonomy.
Singh emphasized the criticality of reducing dependency on defence imports, citing past challenges faced by India during difficult times due to reliance on external sources for military hardware. He stressed that such reliance could jeopardize the country's strategic autonomy, making it vulnerable to external pressures.
Highlighting the remarkable growth in India's domestic defence production, Singh revealed that the annual volume has surged past the Rs 1 lakh crore mark, a significant leap from nearly Rs 44,000 crore in 2014.
This surge reflects the government's concerted efforts to promote indigenous manufacturing and reduce import dependency. The Defence Minister reiterated that a country as vast and significant as India cannot afford to remain reliant on imports in crucial sectors like defence.
He warned that continued dependence on foreign arms could compromise India's ability to take independent positions on global issues, aligning with its national interests.
Singh underlined the need for self-reliance in key areas, including defence, to ensure India's sovereignty and security. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has prioritized reducing the nation's reliance on imported defence hardware.
The Defence Minister's address underscored the government's proactive stance in prioritizing indigenous manufacturing and innovation in the defence sector. By fostering domestic capabilities, India aims to strengthen its defence industry, enhance its strategic autonomy, and bolster national security.
Singh's remarks resonate with India's broader vision of achieving self-sufficiency across various sectors, aligning with the government's 'Make in India' initiative. As India emerges as a global player, its quest for self-reliance in defence assumes paramount importance, ensuring the nation's preparedness and resilience in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's address serves as a clarion call for India to chart its path towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, reinforcing the country's strategic autonomy and positioning it as a formidable player on the global stage.
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