India's Defence Manufacturing Revolution: From Importer to Exporter

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced a significant shift in India's defence manufacturing from an import-reliant nation to a burgeoning producer-exporter. Through a decade of concerted efforts, defence production has increased from Rs 46,000 crore to Rs 1.51 lakh crore, with exports nearing Rs 24,000 crore. Key infrastructure projects were inaugurated.

India is witnessing a transformation in its defence manufacturing sector, evolving from an importer to a significant exporter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Sunday.

In a span of a decade, India's defence production surged from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to a staggering Rs 1.51 lakh crore, while exports have climbed from less than Rs 1,000 crore to almost Rs 24,000 crore. This rapid growth was marked by the inauguration of 125 key infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), spanning roads, bridges, and other essential works across various states and union territories.

The minister praised the BRO for its technological advances and the adoption of indigenous Class-70 modular bridges under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, highlighting India's increasing self-reliance in engineering. With record expenditures and future targets set, the government underscores BRO's critical role in strategic infrastructure development, enhancing its budget to reflect its contributions towards national security.

(With inputs from agencies.)