BENGALURU: Defence minister Rajnath Singh, while reiterating that India wishes to be a reliable partner for friendly countries not just sharing land borders, said the country’s interests were beyond its shores.
“India has a vast coastline but our interests are beyond our shores, touching various continents, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Whether it is piracy, security, disasters or any other need, India has always offered assistance and we want to be a reliable partner, in line with PM Modi’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative,” Singh said at the inaugural of Aero India 2021.
Stating that India’s resolve comes from the growing defence capabilities, he said the IOR defence minister’s conclave at Aero India 2021 will lay a strong foundation for enhanced peace, security and stability in the IOR.
Just like other friendly countries, Singh state-sponsored and inflicted terrorism has affected India too. “We wish to enhance peace and security in the region and I am delighted to see defence ministers, senior officers and leaders from around the world who’ve come to participate at the IOR conclave,” Singh said. The TOI had reported about how India is using Aero India for strategic meetings, moving the shore’s core focus from air shows and trade to building relationships in the 25th year.
Make-In-India To Make For World
Further, reiterating the government’s efforts to boost indigenisation of defence equipment and improve self-reliance through the Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar initiatives launched by PM Modi, Singh said: “The domestic defence market is growing. We’ve earmarked $130 billion for military modernisation for the next eight years… The defence sector has been opened up and we encourage foreign OEMs to collaborate with Indian firms.”
He said multiple reforms — relaxation in FDI norms, the new procurement policy among others — have changed the way the defence sector functions.
“The buy global and manufacture in India policy allows outright purchase of equipment from foreign OEMs followed by manufacturing here through subsidiary or other arrangements. Also, we have a wide range of products and technologies produced by the OFB, DRDO, defence PSUs domestically. Industrial licences granted have doubled in the past six years to cross 500,” Singh said.
Speaking of the country’s dual focus of focused attention on self-reliance and active pursuance of export promotion, he said that India is moving from Make-in-India to “make for the world.”
“A high level committee has been formed to expedite clearances needed for exports. India has a potential to become a reliable supplier of defence equipment and there are 5,000 MSMEs working in the sector besides the country having one of the fastest growing start-up ecosystems,” Singh said, adding that India hopes to create a turnover of Rs 1.7 lakh crore in the next three years, including Rs 35,000 crore worth of exports.