India Boosting Private Sector Role In Defence Manufacturing
Nagpur: In a significant stride towards military self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has declared that the nation is on a steadfast path to becoming a global hub for ammunition production. Speaking at a key inauguration event in Nagpur, Singh emphasized that the days of depending on foreign imports for basic military needs are ending as India strengthens its indigenous capabilities.
Singh was in Maharashtra on Saturday to inaugurate the Medium Caliber Ammunition Facility at the Solar Defence and Aerospace Plant. During his address, he highlighted a critical gap that has plagued the Indian armed forces for decades. He recalled times when the military possessed advanced platforms and weaponry but faced a debilitating shortage of ammunition, which severely limited the effectiveness of the country’s defence apparatus.
"We had the platforms, we had the equipment, but if there was a shortage of ammunition, the use of that equipment remained limited," Singh stated. He noted that such vulnerabilities are unacceptable for a nation aspiring to be prosperous and capable. However, the Defence Minister expressed confidence in the current trajectory of the sector. He praised the shift toward high-quality, reliable domestic manufacturing, calling it a positive signal for India's overall defence preparedness.
Looking toward the future, Singh outlined an ambitious roadmap for the industry. He announced that the government is actively working to ensure the private sector contributes at least 50 percent to the country's defence production. This move is designed to create a robust ecosystem where vendors and private companies work alongside public sector units to secure the nation's borders.
The push for ammunition production within India is not just about meeting domestic needs but also about establishing the country as a major exporter in the coming years. By prioritizing indigenous systems and mandating 50 percent local content even in complex manufacturing scenarios, India is steadily reducing its reliance on external suppliers.
With Agency Inputs
