Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, 25 September declared that BrahMos missiles manufactured in Uttar Pradesh are giving Pakistan 'sleepless nights', while AK-203 assault rifles produced in the state are doing the same to Naxalites and terrorists. Shah made the remarks during the inaugural ceremony of the fourth Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida.

Key Remarks at UPITS Inauguration

Addressing the gathering, Shah described Uttar Pradesh as an 'engine of the nation's growth', citing rapidly rising investment and production across the state. He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Make in India' campaign roughly 12 years ago, and that coordinated efforts between the Centre and state governments had since transformed India into a 'global hub' for manufacturing and innovation.

Shah also highlighted India's broader economic rise, noting the country's entry into the world's top five economies and its sustained growth rate despite challenging global conditions. He expressed confidence that entrepreneurs participating in the fourth edition of UPITS would be pivotal in driving the state's economy toward the one-trillion-dollar mark, adding that 'buyers and investors from across the globe have arrived for the trade show, creating prospects for growth in investment, production, and sales within the state.'

Defence Production: UP's Growing Role

Shah pointed specifically to the BrahMos missile facility in Lucknow and the AK-203 assault rifle plant in Amethi as emblematic of Uttar Pradesh's expanding defence footprint. He noted that investment in the defence sector is rising through the defence corridor in regions including Agra and Aligarh.

'Today, the BrahMos missiles manufactured in UP give Pakistan sleepless nights; this is a prime indicator of the transformation taking place,' Shah said. He added: 'Similarly, the AK-203 assault rifles made in Amethi are giving sleepless nights to Naxalites and terrorists alike.'

Notably, India's overall defence production has crossed the ₹1 lakh crore mark, and the country is now exporting defence products to nearly 80 nations, with Uttar Pradesh playing what Shah described as a 'significant role' in that achievement.

Law and Order and the Yogi Government

Shah alleged that prior to 2017, Uttar Pradesh suffered from poor law and order and was 'under the influence of mafia'. He credited the Yogi Adityanath government for creating conditions conducive to industrial investment and employment generation. 'After the Yogi government came to power, the BJP government has completely eliminated the hooliganism that existed during the SP-BSP governments. As a result, a favourable environment for setting up industries has emerged here,' he said.

Veiled Jab at the Opposition

In an apparent swipe at Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi — without naming him directly — Shah said: 'Some people call India's economy 'dead'; I feel it is their thinking that is dead.' He emphasised that India had maintained its growth trajectory despite global uncertainties, crediting Prime Minister Modi's ability to 'modify policies as needed and formulate new ones' as central to establishing India as an attractive manufacturing destination.

What Comes Next

The UPITS is seen as a barometer of investor confidence in Uttar Pradesh, with each successive edition drawing higher participation. Shah's comments on the defence corridor signal continued Central government backing for UP's industrial ambitions, and all eyes will be on the investment commitments formalised over the course of the trade show.