New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate a national conference titled ‘Opportunities in Defence Manufacturing in the Country’ at Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday.

This conference, organized by the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence, aims to create a dedicated platform to enhance collaboration between the Ministry and the governments of all States and Union Territories. The goal is to synchronize regional industrial policies and infrastructure development with the national mission of achieving self-reliance in Defence manufacturing, as mentioned in an official statement released on Monday.

During the event, Defence Minister Singh will unveil the new ‘Defence Exim Portal’, which is intended to simplify the export and import authorization processes. Additionally, the Srijan DEEP (Defence Establishments and Entrepreneurs Platform) portal will be launched, serving as a digital repository that maps the capabilities and products of Indian Defence industries.

On this occasion, two significant publications will be launched: the ‘Aerospace & Defence Sector Policy Compendium of States and Union Territories’ and the iDEX Coffee Table Book ‘Shared Horizons of Innovation’, according to the statement.

The conference aims to unite senior officials from the Departments of Industries of all States and Union Territories to deliberate on their vital role in enhancing India’s Defence manufacturing ecosystem. It will also showcase ongoing national initiatives to promote indigenization, boost Defence exports, and attract investment in the sector, the statement adds.

India’s Defence production has reached an unprecedented level of Rs 1.46 lakh crore, with exports soaring to a record Rs 24,000 crore for the year 2024-25, according to official data.

“Our Defence production, which stood at only Rs 43,000 crore a decade ago, has now surpassed Rs 1,46,000 crore, with contributions from the private sector exceeding Rs 32,000 crore. Our Defence exports, previously around Rs 600-700 crore ten years ago, have now reached a historic Rs 24,000 crore,” stated the Defence Minister recently.

He emphasized that 'Make-in-India' is essential for the nation’s security and prosperity, asserting that the successful use of indigenous systems during 'Operation Sindoor' has demonstrated India’s capability to penetrate any enemy armor.