India defence exports: Rajnath Singh says nation could lead in 25–30 years

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India is on course to shift from buying weapons to exporting them. Singh said "no power can now stop it from being the biggest exporter in 25-30 years.\" Singh spoke after opening an ammunition manufacturing unit in Shirdi. Singh said a nation that makes its weapons controls its own future.

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Singh said private firms once had a minor role in defence production. Singh said private participation has now reached 25-30 per cent. The government wants this share to rise to 50 per cent. Singh said private companies now build complete weapons systems. Singh said they are not limited to making small components.

India defence manufacturing and private sector role

Singh said ordnance factories existed even before Independence. Singh said the defence industry was always rooted in India. Singh said post-Independence needs changed faster than older systems. Singh said private players got few chances then. Singh said the sector stayed limited to PSUs and ordnance factories.

Singh listed steps aimed at widening private participation in defence. Singh mentioned policy reforms and FDI liberalisation. Singh said the government launched a strategic partnership model. Singh said a positive indigenisation list of 5,000 items was prepared. Singh said armed forces must buy those items within India.

Singh said young innovators are also getting support. Singh said \"When the governments vision and the private sectors innovation align, then the country reaches new heights.\" Singh also referred to history under the British East India Company. Singh said potassium nitrate was used for gunpowder. Singh said this helped the company build military strength.

India defence manufacturing unit in Shirdi

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the event. The Shirdi factory is built on 200 acres. It is expected to create jobs for 2,000 people. It is also expected to support Medium, Small and Micro Industries. The unit is in Ahilyanagar district.

Nibe Group chairman-managing director Ganesh Nibe had said the factory will export defence equipment. The unit will make artillery bombshells and support the aerospace segment. The complex intends to make advanced artillery systems and rocket systems. It also plans missile and space technologies, energetic materials, and autonomous defence platforms.

Indias first 300 KM Universal Rocket Launching System Suryastra was flagged off at the event. The foundation stone was laid for a missile complex for the system. The ceremony also included the unveiling of indigenous TNT Plant Technology. Indigenous RDX Plant Technology was also unveiled, along with a Renewable Bio-Energy Compressed Biogas Plant.

An MoU was exchanged between Nibe Group and Black Sky for satellite assembly. Singh said \"We recognised the capabilities of the private sector as it can transform India into a global manufacturing hub.\" Singh said \"a golden chapter of self-reliance is being written in Indias defence and space sector.\" Singh and Fadnavis also visited the Saibaba shrine.

India defence manufacturing, munitions and automation

Singh said future wars will depend on munitions and automation. Singh said force size will matter less than capability. Singh said these shifts are visible in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Singh also cited the situation in West Asia. Singh said India showed this capacity in Operation Sindoor.

Singh urged joint work to make India a hub for munitions and automation. Singh said \"We stand ready to take every necessary step to ensure India emerges as a frontrunner in munitions and automated systems,\" he stated. Singh said technology should support soldiers, not replace judgement. Singh said the final decision must stay with humans.

Singh said \"Modern weaponry and automated systems are playing an increasingly significant role in future warfare. It is imperative for India to advance in this direction. Let us collectively pledge to make India fully self-reliant in defence and space technology,\" he said. Singh also linked security and growth, saying they now move together.

Singh said national security supports investment and industrial growth. Singh said \"we are currently witnessing the weaponisation of almost everything - from trade and supply chains to even rare earth minerals.\" Singh said dependence on others for defence manufacturing is risky. Singh said \"Atmanirbharta in defence production is not merely a requirement for war, but also a necessity for peace, development, and economic resilience,\" he added.

In his address, Devendra Fadnavis backed Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India. Fadnavis said \"Operation Sindoor was a shining example of the unmatched bravery of Indian soldiers and the nations growing indigenous defence capabilities,\" he said. Fadnavis said public and private sectors now share an active role. Fadnavis said India is strengthening strategic might and supports global peace.

With inputs from PTI