Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the defence sector in the last nine years has made giant strides towards achieving self-reliance and most of the weapons being used by the Armed Forces are made in India. Addressing an event in New Delhi this evening, Mr Singh said, without self-reliance, we cannot take independent decisions on global issues in line with the national interests. He said, the dependence on import of defence equipment is a hindrance to India’s strategic autonomy. The Minister said, imports adversely affect the Balance of Trade that is detrimental to the economy. He said, self-reliance not only strengthens the economy, but greatly enhances employment opportunities too.

Mr. Singh listed out various steps taken by the Ministry of Defence towards achieving Aatmanirbharta. These include issuance of eight positive indigenisation lists, four by Department of Military Affairs comprising 410 weapons and platforms for the Armed Forces and four others of 4,666 items by Department of Defence Production for the Defence Public Sector Undertakings DPSUs. Besides banning the import of these items, the Government has insisted on their manufacturing in India itself. The Minister emphasised that New India is indigenously making Aircraft Carriers like INS Vikrant, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the country is now moving towards self-reliance in every field.

He said, India’s G-20 presidency demonstrates the growing stature of India in the international community. Mr. Singh talked about the shift in India’s approach in the foreign policy from non-alignment to multi-alignment.

The Minister said, the structure of New India has been prepared and the Government is striving to convert this into a strong and robust building. He said, the next 25 years will be very crucial as it will determine how beautiful and grand this building will be. Mr Singh said, by 2047, we not only wish to make India a developed nation, but also complete the journey by making it empowered.