In a recent announcement, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has said that in the past, most of India’s defence equipment was imported from other countries. However, since the Narendra Modi-led government took over, the situation has changed, with the export of Indian-made defence equipment increasing sixfold during the past nine years.
Dr Singh made the announcement at the National Security Conclave, which was also attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Dr Singh also took the opportunity to praise Rajnath Singh for his steps to mitigate the suffering of border villagers from cross-LoC shelling.
Dr Singh highlighted some of the specific measures taken to improve the situation for border villagers, such as sanctioning bunkers for civilians and the approval of family bunkers. He also praised Prime Minister Modi for extending the reservation to residents of border villages, which was previously only given to LoC residents.
The Modi government has also recently approved the creation of two Border Battalions in the paramilitary police, which Dr Singh said will further strengthen national security.
He also cited two agreements signed during Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to the United States as further evidence of India’s strong defence capabilities. The first involves a deal for manufacturing jet engines for the LCA Tejas fighter jets, while the second agreement allows US warships to now berth at Indian Naval Shipyards for extensive repairs.
Dr Singh claims that India has made great strides in becoming an exporter of arms and ammunition in recent years, with a substantial increase in the export of such items during the past nine years. Not only does this strengthen India’s defence infrastructure, but it also helps create jobs for the country’s young people.
Dr Singh also spoke about the new opportunities created for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for residents of border villages. He mentioned the launch of Agri Startups through Lavender cultivation and the Aroma Mission as specific examples of these opportunities.
Overall, Dr Singh claims that India is well on its way to becoming a developed nation by the centenary year of India’s independence. With the Modi government’s continued focus on improving India’s defence capabilities and creating opportunities for young people, it seems that this goal may indeed be within reach.
