Government's Dedication Towards India's Defence Self-Reliance: Rajnath Singh
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Synopsis
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasizes the commitment to make India self-reliant in defence manufacturing, highlighting the increase in domestic defence exports and the ambition to reduce imports.
Key Takeaways
- Commitment to Self-Reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Defence Equipment Exports increased from Rs 600 crore to Rs 2,400 crore.
- Over 500 products manufactured locally.
- Plans to boost defence products market to Rs 3 lakh crore.
- Development of a defence cluster in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, April 18 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Friday that the government's initiative to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing is commendable, emphasizing, "we are committed to making the country self-reliant and we are succeeding in that."
"We have commenced the export of defence equipment produced domestically, increasing the export value from Rs 600 crore to Rs 2,400 crore. Our strategy is to manufacture over 500 products necessary for the defence sector within the country. The aim is to curtail imports and escalate the defence product market to Rs 3 lakh crore," the Defence Minister remarked.
Rajnath Singh made these comments while addressing a seminar hosted by the Chamber of Marathwada Industries and Agriculture. The event was also attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
"The nation is progressing towards self-sufficiency by diminishing the import of defence equipment. Currently, more than 500 products are being manufactured domestically," he stated.
The Defence Minister further invited CM Fadnavis to lead a group of entrepreneurs to Delhi for subsequent discussions.
"There are limitless prospects within the defence equipment manufacturing sector. To support the enterprising individuals from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a delegation led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should visit Delhi for further talks," he added.
Previously, the Chief Minister had urged Rajnath Singh to establish a defence cluster in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, given its robust industrial ecosystem and the capabilities of local entrepreneurs.
He mentioned, "Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is evolving into an industrial hub of Maharashtra. Approximately 10,000 acres of land designated for industrial estates has been allocated to industries, with ongoing demand from entrepreneurs. Therefore, there are plans to allocate an additional 8,000 acres for industries. All essential facilities such as manpower, communication, and energy are readily available. Hence, entrepreneurs are favoring Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for their initiatives."
The Maharashtra Chief Minister added that Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is a leader in the electric vehicle manufacturing industry.
"The daring and ambitious entrepreneurs here are eager to engage in the defence equipment manufacturing industry. They should receive encouragement. Just as the auto cluster was developed here, a defence cluster should also be established. There are countless opportunities in the defence equipment manufacturing sector, and the entrepreneurs of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar possess immense potential. To foster this, a defence cluster is essential," he remarked.
Additionally, Rajnath Singh, accompanied by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, unveiled a statue of Maharana Pratap at another event in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
"We refrain from engaging in religious politics. For us, all Indians are equal. This is our culture and philosophy, a lesson learned from our ancestors. We have drawn these principles from our icons Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharana Pratap," he stated.
He continued: "Our ideals were never anti-Islam or anti-Muslim. Hakim Khan Suri fought alongside Maharana Pratap in the battle of Haldighati against the Mughals. There were also individuals from the Muslim community in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army. The most trusted bodyguard of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a Muslim youth named Madari."
In light of the recent debate regarding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, the Defence Minister stated: "Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru referred to Aurangzeb as a fanatic and bigoted ruler. He documented that Aurangzeb imposed the Jaziya tax on Hindus and attempted to suppress Rajputs, Sikhs, Marathas, and Rashtrakutas. He demolished numerous Hindu temples. How can such a ruler be regarded as a hero by anyone?"
"In our educational history, even a brutal and merciless ruler like Aurangzeb has been depicted in a glorified manner. Due to this distorted history, some attempt to portray Aurangzeb as a hero. There is an effort to generate sympathy for Aurangzeb without understanding the facts," he asserted.
