Prashnavachak.News
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the transformative role of the Make-in-India initiative in strengthening India’s national security and economy, citing its crucial contribution during Operation Sindoor, a decisive counter-terror operation targeting hideouts in Pakistan and PoK. Speaking at the Inaugural Plenary of the CII Annual Business Summit, Shri Rajnath Singh declared that indigenous systems proved instrumental in India’s capability to strike deep and respond effectively to terrorism. “We destroyed terrorist hideouts and military bases with precision and restraint. Without Make-in-India, such action wouldn’t have been possible,” he said. A major highlight of his address was the announcement of the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program — India’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet project. For the first time, private sector companies will join public sector undertakings in co-developing high-end defence platforms. “The AMCA initiative will begin with five prototypes before moving to series production. It is a bold step that will elevate our aerospace sector to global standards,” he stated. Reaffirming India’s stand on PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), the Raksha Mantri declared, “PoK is part of India and will one day voluntarily return. Our government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains committed to Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” Drawing a historical parallel, he likened the situation in PoK to the story of Shakti Singh, brother of Maharana Pratap: “Even if separated, he will return to the right path on his own. He is my brother—he cannot go far.” On the economic front, Singh reported that India’s annual defence production has reached a record ₹1.46 lakh crore, with the private sector contributing ₹32,000 crore. Defence exports have also soared past ₹24,000 crore, a massive jump from ₹600–700 crore a decade ago. Over 16,000 MSMEs now fuel the defence supply chain, generating widespread employment and reinforcing India’s self-reliance. Highlighting India’s growing global stature, he said, “India is no longer just a defence consumer. We are now a trusted exporter of high-end military technology. This shift reflects both global confidence in India and India’s confidence in itself.” Shri Rajnath Singh also spotlighted India’s advances in New Age Warfare — including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Defence, Unmanned Systems, and Space-Based Security — adding that the country is poised to become a global hub for precision engineering and frontier technologies. Calling upon the Indian industry to align more closely with national priorities, he stated, “If securing company interests is your karma, safeguarding national interests must be your dharma.” He emphasized that synergy between government and industry is essential for achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047. “Strength today is measured not just by GDP or exports, but by the trust a nation inspires — in its people and on the global stage,” he said. The event was attended by top defence officials and industry leaders, including Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, and CII President Sanjiv Puri.
