India Emerges As Defence Hub
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India is rapidly transforming from a major importer of defence equipment into a global defence manufacturing hub. Speaking at the commissioning of indigenously built naval platforms INS Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak in Kolkata, he emphasized that India will no longer remain merely a buyer in the global defence market.
Modi said defence production has grown from ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore, while defence exports have increased from ₹700 crore to ₹40,000 crore, with over 80 countries purchasing Indian-made defence products. He highlighted the importance of self-reliance, maritime strength, and indigenous shipbuilding in strengthening national security.
The Prime Minister noted that more than 40 indigenous warships and submarines have been inducted into the Indian Navy, while 45 major naval platforms are under construction. He added that the maritime sector is creating large-scale employment opportunities and supporting India's vision of becoming a developed nation.
