Rajnath Singh: Committed to Transforming India’s Defence Industry into an Export Hub

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed the government’s commitment to establishing India’s defence industry as an export-oriented sector, aiming to make the country a global manufacturing hub. This statement came as annual defence production reached a record high of Rs 1.27 lakh crore for FY 2023-24.

Speaking at the annual session of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), Singh emphasized the importance of building a robust defence industrial base, especially in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In FY 2024, defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) accounted for Rs 1 lakh crore of total production, while private companies contributed approximately Rs 27,000 crore. The minister announced renewed efforts to foster a self-reliant and innovative defence ecosystem.

He highlighted the introduction of 10 positive indigenisation lists (PILs) featuring over 5,500 items, aiming to equip the armed forces with domestically manufactured platforms and equipment. Singh urged the industry to achieve complete self-reliance for these items and to continually assess and expand the lists in response to global defence developments.

The minister noted that government initiatives have created a favorable environment for business, setting the goal of transforming India’s defence sector into an export powerhouse. He praised the private sector’s significant role in boosting defence exports to over Rs 21,000 crore in FY 2023-24.

Singh also encouraged foreign companies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to invest in India or establish joint ventures with local firms. He called on SIDM to create a roadmap for collaboration on a firm-to-firm basis and urged the industry to invest in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), cyber defence, and autonomous systems.