 NEW DELHI, Oct 16: "Operation Sindoor is a glowing testimony to India's growing indigenous prowess which is a result of the Government's relentless efforts to create a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem within the country," said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in Pune on October 16, 2025. He was elucidating the importance of possessing qualities such as faith and perseverance to the students of Symbiosis Skills and Professional University during their convocation ceremony.
Raksha Mantri told the students that when the Government commenced work to make India self-reliant in defence, it seemed difficult in the beginning, however, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, no stone was left unturned to expand the domestic defence manufacturing, and the efforts began to yield positive results due to this resolve.
"We pledged to move towards transforming the defence sector because, since independence, we had been heavily dependent on other countries for weapons. We had become accustomed to purchasing weapons as we lacked the political will to manufacture in India, nor did we have the laws that promoted defence manufacturing. This required a change. It is our resolve that India manufactures indigenous weapons for its soldiers. The entire world witnessed the bravery of our soldiers during Operation Sindoor. They achieved the set objectives using large amount of Made-in-India equipment," stated Shri Rajnath Singh. Acknowledging the contribution of youth in defence manufacturing, Raksha Mantri stated that, in the last 10 years, annual defence production has increased from Rs 46,000 crore to a record Rs 1.5 lakh crore, of which approx. Rs 33,000 crore has been contributed by the private sector. He exuded confidence of achieving Rs 3 lakh crore defence manufacturing target and Rs 50,000 crore exports target by 2029.
Shri Rajnath Singh urged the students to move beyond academic achievement and strive to become creators, innovators and contributors to national development, emphasising that true success lies not merely in acquiring degrees but in applying knowledge meaningfully for the benefit of society. |
