Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon regional industries to play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat, urging them to transform regional strengths into national capabilities, local innovation into global competitiveness, and industrial growth into strategic strength.
Addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Vadodara, the Defence Minister emphasised that a developed India is not solely an economic aspiration but a vision of building a technologically advanced, economically resilient, and socially empowered nation. He underlined that in an evolving geopolitical environment, India’s self-reliance, technological capability, and national resolve will determine its standing on the global stage.
Highlighting the close relationship between economic growth and national security, Rajnath Singh stated that strong industries, technological advancement, and secure borders together form the foundation of a powerful nation. He stressed that the defence sector serves as a catalyst for infrastructure development, innovation, employment generation, and industrial expansion.
The Defence Minister noted that India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. From being heavily dependent on imports, the country is now emerging as a significant defence manufacturing and export hub, driven by indigenous platforms, private sector participation, start-ups, and innovation.
He highlighted key initiatives under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, including Make in India, reforms to the Defence Acquisition Procedure, the Technology Development Fund, iDEX, the Srijan Portal, Defence Testing Infrastructure, Green Channel Certification, and Self-Certification, all aimed at strengthening domestic defence production and encouraging MSMEs and start-ups.
Citing the sector’s achievements, Rajnath Singh said India’s annual defence production has reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore, up from ₹46,000 crore in 2014, while defence exports have grown from less than ₹1,000 crore to an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore.
Emphasising that self-reliance does not mean isolation, the Defence Minister said India continues to encourage collaborations with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), technology transfers, and joint ventures that strengthen indigenous capabilities while integrating the country into global supply chains.
Highlighting Gujarat’s growing strategic importance, he said the state’s strong industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, and entrepreneurial culture position it as a major defence manufacturing hub. He cited the Tata-Airbus C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara and the production of the K-9 Vajra self-propelled artillery system in Gujarat as examples of the state’s expanding contribution to India’s defence capabilities.
The Defence Minister also underlined the importance of Gujarat’s emerging semiconductor ecosystem in Sanand and Dholera, describing it as a cornerstone of India’s technological sovereignty. He noted that advancements in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and space technologies would play a decisive role in future warfare and national security.
On the sidelines of the conference, Rajnath Singh interacted with representatives from the defence industry, academia, start-ups, and MSMEs, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling ecosystem for innovation, indigenous manufacturing, and defence industrial growth. He also visited an exhibition showcasing defence technologies, industrial innovations, MSMEs, mobility solutions, exports, handicrafts, and entrepreneurship.
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference is part of the Government of Gujarat’s initiative to showcase regional industrial strengths and align them with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, while fostering investment, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
