Defence Output Touches ₹1.8 Lakh Crore: Rajnath
Defence exports had risen from about ₹600 crore to nearly ₹40,000 crore, with Indian equipment now reaching around 100 countries, he said.
New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said India’s indigenous defence production had increased from ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore.
Defence exports had risen from about ₹600 crore to nearly ₹40,000 crore, with Indian equipment now reaching around 100 countries, he said.
Addressing an event in Kochi, Kerala, Singh described the youth as India’s greatest strength and said they were building start-ups, creating unicorns and developing drones, hydrogen trains, rockets and satellites.
“They are leaving no stone unturned to make India a developed nation,” he said.
Singh said the government was working to promote resilience, determination, compassion, innovation, strength, inclusive prosperity and a strong sense of national identity to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat.
He said corruption and misgovernance had weakened public morale before 2014. India’s progress over the past 12 years, he added, had been shaped by its ability to confront adversity and turn challenges into opportunities.
“Over the past 12 years, the world has faced the Covid-19 pandemic and witnessed several wars that have profoundly affected the global economy. Despite these challenges, we are moving steadily towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation,” he said.
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to national security, Singh said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s willingness to cross the border to eliminate those threatening its sovereignty and integrity. He also claimed that Naxalism had been brought to an end.
The minister said India’s democracy and welfare programmes had become a source of inspiration to the world.
He cited UPI, describing it as the world’s largest real-time payment system adopted by more than 11 countries. He also highlighted schemes including PM SHRI, Ayushman Bharat, Lakhpati Didi, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Ujjwala Yojana.