Self-reliance in defence sector to boost our global standing: Prime Minister

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 27

Weeks after the announcement of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India), Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said it was not inward-looking, but designed to strengthen a global order in which India would have a central role in ensuring stability in its immediate neighbourhood.

PM Modi gave this message at webinar “Atmanirbhar Bharat – Defence Industry Outreach” organised jointly by industry body FICCI and the Department of Military Affairs headed by General Bipin Rawat.

The PM addressed concerns of the foreign industry, which has been edgy about rules being changed.

Speaking in Hindi, PM Modi said, “Atmanirbhar Bharat is for all — the MSME, Indian industry and foreign partner as well. It is a commitment of the government and a win-win for all.” India, he said, was committed to emerging as an export hub.

The government has taken several reform measures like bankruptcy code, ease of business etc. “India is changing its focus from licence production to joint production,” the PM added.

Meanwhile, earlier answering questions from the industry, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar made an important announcement, saying the request for proposal (RFP) would be out shortly. “It is under legal vetting and will be released to the industry partner,” he added.

Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), a shipyard under the MoD, and private company L&T have been selected as Indian partners.

The two will tie up with a foreign manufacturer under the strategic partnership model.

The Defence Secretary also spoke about the naval utility helicopter project. “It is being processed and is at the initial stage,” he added.

At the event, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Rawat said, “Nothing will give the armed forces greater satisfaction than fighting and coming out victorious in war with indigenous technology and equipment.”

In an address at a seminar on promoting self-reliance in defence, Gen Rawat also said India’s armed forces are committed to hand-hold the domestic industry in developing next generation military platforms and equipment.

Delving into complex security scenario, he said as India grows in stature, the security challenges are bound to increase “exponentially”.

He said the armed forces did not have any bias towards imported equipment. “India today is transiting through a period which is chequered with numerous challenges and threats. Our collective response to Covid-19 has firmly established our ability to overcome any such unforeseeable eventuality,” he said. (With inputs from PTI)

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