New Delhi: Contending that ‘Aatma Nirbharta’ does “not mean isolation”, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today invited global companies to explore the “ocean of opportunities” in India which is aiming at defence production to the tune of Rs 1.75 lakh crore by 2025.
Singh said the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ programme of the government in the defence sector “opens new doors with an open mind.”
Addressing an event here, he said, “Our aim is to safeguard national interests and, at the same time, help our friendly countries to achieve their goals. The vision is clear – ‘Make in India, Make for the World’.”
He, however, made it clear that ‘Aatma Nirbharta’ does not mean isolation.
Describing it as India’s resolve to give hope and relief to the whole world, the senior minister said, “Today, the world has realised that manufacturing hub should not be in any one country. In the changed circumstances, big MNCs are exploring new options to decentralise their manufacturing.”
He said India not only fulfils that quest but also gives hope that this manufacturing shift has the potential to provide a new lift to the entire global economy.
“India is the centre of global optimism. We have an ocean of opportunities, a plethora of options and a feeling of openness,” Singh said.
“Defence exports, which were once Rs 1,900 crore, have now crossed Rs 13,000 crore,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the country would be able to achieve the target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore in defence production by 2025, which includes the export of Rs 35,000 crore.
The Defence Minister said the government is leaving no stone unturned to realise the dream of a ‘New India’ which is not dependent on any country to fulfil its needs, especially those related to security.
Elaborating on the steps taken by his ministry to achieve ‘Aatma Nirbharta’, Singh listed issuance of three positive indigenisation lists of 310 items as well as encouraging the private sector to become a part of the nation’s growth story.
“The domestic industry has the capacity and capability to manufacture the latest defence platforms in water, land, sky & space in the next few years and the Government is making all efforts to provide them with the necessary environment.
He made a special mention of the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, with 76% domestic content, which was commissioned on September 2.
He termed it an important milestone in India’s path to achieving self-reliance.
