Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that India will export over Rs 50,000 crore defence items by the fiscal year 2029-30. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration with academia for self-reliance in defence production.
Call For Development Of High-End Technologies
Indian youth must focus on developing high-end technologies that are currently imported, said Rajnath Singh while addressing the celebrations of the 65th foundation day at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). He stressed this aligns with PM Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat (developed India).
India’s Position In Global Technological Landscape
Rajnath Singh categorized countries based on their technological advancements into three groups, placing India in the third – ready for technological take-off. He emphasized that India is moving towards becoming a technological power and urged young innovators to channel their minds towards national development.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Increase In Defense Exports
Rajnath Singh said that the government’s efforts have already begun to yield results. Defense exports have increased from around Rs 600 crore (7 to 8 years ago) to a record Rs 21,000 crore in FY 2023-24. He expressed hope that the trend will continue, and defense exports will reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30.
Commitment To Collaboration for Aatmanirbharta
He ensured full government support in the pursuit of self-reliance or ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and reiterated the commitment to bring on board all stakeholders, including the private sector and academia. He quoted a proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. We need to walk together to achieve our target,” emphasizing collective effort.
Innovation Through iDEX And ADITI
The Defence Minister outlined initiatives such as the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme that provides adequate funding for research and innovation in defence technology.
He believes that institutions such as IIT Kanpur can be very important for the three mainstream steps of technology manufacturing: ideation, application, and production.
Defence Innovation Event At IIT Kanpur
IIT Kanpur organized a special event on defence innovation aligning with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ The event featured pioneering solutions from 23 SIIC-incubated start-ups.
Rajnath Singh engaged with Start-up founders and research teams at the exhibition stalls, commending their contributions to enhance national security.
Several MoUs were also signed to strengthen partnerships, including IIT Kanpur‘s collaborations with BEML and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to drive advancements in military logistics and defence innovation, and a partnership with Kanpur University to strengthen incubation efforts.
Secretary of DDR&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat presented sanction letters for six transformative DRDO projects, while SIDBI’s Matching Offer for iDEX-funded start-ups further boosted essential funding support, the release said.
