Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on June 19 announced that India is rapidly moving toward absolute self-reliance in safeguarding its national interests by eliminating its dependence on critical imports.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the 10,000-Tons Aluminium Extrusion Press at in Nagpur, Rajnath the Defence Minister asserted that taking control of security-related necessities is an absolute imperative in today’s volatile geopolitical climate. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present at the ceremony.
“A nation capable of meeting its own requirements moves forward with the greatest confidence towards safeguarding its interests,” the Minister stated, emphasising that the new facility represents a monumental shift from import-reliance to robust domestic manufacturing.
Rajnath Minister shared highly encouraging financial milestones, highlighting that India is well on track to achieve its mid-term goals ahead of schedule. Driven by the four core pillars of technology, workforce, knowledge, and national faith, India’s defence ecosystem has undergone a massive transformation over the past decade.
“Total defence production has risen to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, up from just Rs 46,000 crore in 2014. Defence exports skyrocketed to an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, compared to less than Rs 1,000 crore in 2014,” said Rajnath .
He added that the nation is poised to meet its upcoming targets of Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports much earlier than anticipated.
Reflecting on the structural reforms within the sector, Rajnath Singh lauded the success of corporatising the old Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) into Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
