Raksha Mantri | Remarkable Growth: Defense Production Crosses 1 Lakh Crore with 16,000 Crore in Exports

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Raksha Mantri addresses ASEAN Defence
Raksha Mantri addresses ASEAN Defence

New Delhi, June o2, 2023| At an event in New Delhi, Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, expressed that India is not just an emerging power, but rather undergoing a resurgence on the global stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He underscored India’s historical economic prowess and its significant contribution to the world’s GDP until the 17th century. However, this prominence diminished due to a weak military and political subordination.

The Raksha Mantri emphasized the government’s commitment to restore India’s former glory by addressing both military strength and the elimination of colonial mindsets. He stressed on the importance of building a robust and technologically advanced Armed Forces, supported by a domestic defense industry manufacturing state-of-the-art weaponry. Additionally, efforts are being made to overcome the remnants of colonial influence.

“A strong military not only secures the borders, but also protects the culture & economy of a country. The goal is to build a strong, self-reliant and prosperous nation, which caters to its own needs as well as the requirements of friendly countries. This is an era of renaissance. It is time to re-establish India as a global superpower,” Shri Rajnath Singh said.

Citing a report from Morgan Stanley, he referred that India, once considered among the ‘Fragile 5′ economies in 2013, is now projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. This demonstrates the remarkable growth of the Indian economy in recent years. He expressed that while the term ’emerging power’ may apply to India in the short term, it is more appropriate to view it as a resurgent power, regaining its position on the world economic stage in the long run.

Shri Rajnath Singh listed several government reforms aimed at facilitating economic growth, including direct tax reforms, the implementation of GST, and efforts to improve the ease of doing business. These reforms have led to a transformative shift in all sectors, attracting foreign investors who now consider India an appealing destination.

Highlighting the transformative changes in the defense sector, the Raksha Mantri explained that comprehensive self-reliance in weapon and technology manufacturing, known as ‘Aatmanirbharta,’ has been a priority. Key initiatives include the notification of indigenization lists for the Armed Forces and Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), as well as the establishment of Defense Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

The Raksha Mantri shared positive outcomes resulting from the government’s efforts, such as a record-breaking defense production worth over Rs one lakh crore and all-time high defense exports reaching almost Rs 16,000 crore in the 2022-23 financial year. He also highlighted the establishment of over 100 unicorns in the country, with an increasing number of start-ups in the defense research and manufacturing sector, all thanks to the startup-friendly ecosystem created by the government.

The Raksha Mantri also discussed the Prime Minister’s vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047, as announced during his Independence Day address in 2022. The government is focused on all sectors, including health, education, road transport, railways, and border development, to realize this vision.

Shri Rajnath Singh outlined his vision for India@2047, which includes a strong government machinery, comprehensive assistance to those in need, social harmony, equal participation of women, and an ecosystem that generates increasing employment opportunities. He stressed the need to enhance the country’s economic infrastructure to ensure a high quality of life for its citizens while nurturing the capabilities of the youth. He envisioned a growth-oriented market economy that allows individuals the freedom to pursue any business or job.

The Raksha Mantri emphasized the importance of maintaining a high standard of living for individuals who are unable to fulfill their aspirations due to physical or mental illness or family reasons. He advocated for the establishment of a welfare state that provides high-quality nutrition, housing, education, and healthcare for all, requiring collaboration between the public and private sectors. His vision of India encompasses citizens who take pride in their culture, uphold values and traditions, and embrace new ideas.

Shri Rajnath Singh envisioned a developed India that promotes universal values such as democracy, religious freedom, dignity, and world peace worldwide. He called for a united dream of an India where all citizens contribute to nation-building without discrimination based on caste or religion, but rather on knowledge and character. He envisioned an India where every individual enjoys human rights and is committed to fulfilling their duties. Ultimately, he envisaged a strong India capable of defending itself and standing against injustice anywhere in the world.”

 

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