We aim for ‘Make for World’ along with ‘Make in India’: Defence Minister

New Delhi: Prime Minister Modi said ‘Since the last many years, India is known as the biggest importer in the defence sector. We are making efforts to erase this identity and to become ‘Atmanirbhar’ in the sector and the steps have been initiated in that direction.’ The ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Defence Industry Outreach Webinar’ had been organised on Thursday. While addressing the attendees at the event, the Prime Minister made this statement. At this time, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed that along with ‘Make in India’, ‘Make for world’ has been set as the goal and major steps are being taken to encourage the industries from the defence sector. Indian Chief of Defence Staff, General, Bipin Rawat, supported the indigenisation policy of the government, saying there is no greater satisfaction for the Indian defence forces than winning a war with indigenously made weapons and technology.

Rajnath Singh said ‘We intend to make India Atmanirbhar contribute to the world. This is a major challenge and we must make a resolve to run it as a campaign. The beginning has been made with the courageous and strategic decision to ban the import of 101 defence materials and equipment. This will result in purchases of Rs.1.4 trillion from within the country.’ A provision of Rs.520 billion has been made indigenous manufacture of products for the defence sector. This will be done through cooperation and collaboration. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that with this India will achieve the status of not only ‘Make in India’, but also ‘Make for World’.

India has the will to develop advanced technology indigenously. Therefore, the time has come to become an exporter of the defence equipment, working in the right direction and promoting self-reliant India. Rajnath Singh noted at this time that some bold decisions have been taken to become Atmanirbhar in the defence sector. These include Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, Defence Corridors, one each in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and 74% FDI in the defence sector.

General Bipin Rawat also expressed his views at the webinar. General Rawat said ‘The way India is fighting the Coronavirus crisis, goes to show clearly that the country is capable of handling crisis of any nature. The country is facing multiple problems like Coronavirus, at the same time. The time has come to select the right path and promote Atmanirbhar Bharat, to achieve the targets. All three defence forces are committed to Atmanirbhar Bharat. There is no greater satisfaction than willing a war with indigenous technology and products.’

Against the background of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Defence Industry Outreach Webinar’, the Defence Ministry has started preparation of the second list of equipment and weapons in the defence sector, for which imports will be banned. The defence ministry informed that this list would be ready by December. It was informed that discussions are being held, with public sector companies in the defence sector, Private companies, DRDO and all the three defence forces, regarding the ban on imports of defence equipment and weapons. At the same time, it has also been revealed that an independent policy is being drafted for the promotion of weapons exports from India.