Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday, 7 June, said India’s defence manufacturing base has expanded significantly in recent years, with most defence equipment now being produced indigenously as the country pushes ahead with self-reliance in the sector.
Singh was speaking at a ‘Prabuddhjan and Varishthajan Samvaad Kaaryakram’ in Lucknow.
The defence minister said India remained in a strong position despite global challenges and international crises.
He said the country was moving forward with confidence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and that India’s “head will not be allowed to bow down under any circumstances.”
His remarks came in the context of India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence production, military modernisation and technology-led capability development.
Singh said the country’s defence production was steadily increasing and that most defence equipment was now being manufactured within India.
The defence minister also underlined Lucknow’s growing role in the defence industrial ecosystem.
Singh, who represents Lucknow in the Lok Sabha, said the city was emerging as a key centre for defence production and research.
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“Several defence-related units, including the BrahMos missile project, have been promoted. The expansion of DRDO laboratories is providing opportunities for research and innovation to the youth,” Singh said.
Lucknow is part of Uttar Pradesh’s wider defence industrial push, with the state seeking to attract manufacturing, research and ancillary units linked to major defence platforms, missile systems, components and advanced technologies.
The minister also referred to infrastructure development in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh.
Singh also highlighted what he described as a marked improvement in the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh.
He said 5 international airports had been constructed in the state and that key projects such as the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway were set to be launched soon.
The defence minister said India’s global stature had risen under PM Modi and that the benefits of public welfare schemes were reaching the last person in society.
Referring to the start-up ecosystem, Singh said around 2 lakh start-ups were currently operating in the country and that unicorn companies reflected India’s new economic strength.
