Defence production revolution can be achieved through public-private partnership: Rajnath Singh

Public-private partnership can bring a “Defence Production Revolution” and help achieve the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, believes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Addressing the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) annual meeting, he said a strategic partnership model will help the private companies become global giants.

Giving the example of the recent contract of 56 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, Singh said due to these steps, defence exports have crossed the Rs 38,000 crore mark in the last seven years. Over 10,000 small and medium enterprises have joined the defence sector and there has been an increase in research and development (R&D), startups, innovation and employment.

Underlining the importance of indigenization, Singh pointed out a number of reforms undertaken by the Government to encourage the participation of private sector and achieve Aatmanirbhar Bharat envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The reforms include earmarking 64.09% of the total Capital Acquisition Budget for 2021-22 for domestic capital procurement and 15% of capital procurement budget for direct procurement from private industry – setting up of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; introduction of Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX); free Transfer of Technology (ToT) through Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO); and increase in FDI in defence up to 74% through automatic route and up to 100% through government route.

The Defence Minister said the government is providing a suitable growth environment to the private sector. “We have opened up opportunities to build a Mega Defence Programme, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, tanks and submarines through a strategic partnership model that will help our private companies become global giants in the years to come.”

Terming sustainability as an integral part of self-reliance, Singh urged the industry to also focus on emerging areas such as cyberspace and artificial intelligence by investing in R&D, developing new technologies and products, and taking advantage of government’s policies. He urged the private players to utilize India’s talent to achieve this objective.

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In regards to “Make in India and Make for the World”, the defence minister exhorted the industry to keep moving forward and help the Government realize its vision of making India a global manufacturing hub. He expressed confidence that like the White Revolution and Green Revolution, this public-private partnership will be mentioned as Defence Production Revolution in the annals of Indian defence in the times to come.