New Delhi, Dec 5 (FN Bureau) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that the government is giving top priority to ‘self-reliance’ in Defence, in view of the ever-changing security scenario, and added that there is a need to move forward to unleash the full potential of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the sector. He made the statement, while delivering the inaugural address at the MSME Conclave, organised by the Ministry’s Department of Defence Production, in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) in hybrid mode here. The Defence Minister called upon the MSMEs to invest more in research and development, and manufacture new products and technologies, thereby contributing to the security and progress of the country. “Major industries play a big role in national security and economic development by manufacturing tanks, submarines, aircraft and helicopters. However, hidden behind these big platforms are small industries. The MSMEs are not only supporting large entities by manufacturing quality products at sub-systems and component level, but are also generating direct and indirect employment for the people,” a Defence statement quoted Singh as saying.
He exuded confidence that Indian manufacturers and their associated MSMEs will play a major role in catering to the defence needs of the country and also meeting global requirement. Stating that large industries and MSMEs complement each other and together can bolster the security and economy of the country, Singh extended full support of the Government in achieving this objective. Projects under Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Technology development Fund (TDF) scheme are mainly reserved for startups and MSMEs, he added. Singh listed out some of the initiatives, which aim to promote indigenous design, development and manufacturing of defence and aerospace equipment in the country under the ‘Make in India’ initiative by harnessing the capabilities of the public and private sector, especially the MSMEs. “We have an estimated Rs 85,000 crore industry of aerospace and defence. The contribution of the private sector in this has increased to Rs 18,000 crore. Our vision to make India a global defence manufacturing hub,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s focus on encouraging exports, the Defence Minister hoped that India will soon become a net exporter from a net importer. “The government aims to achieve the export target of Rs 35,000 crore by 2024-25. Presently, India is exporting defence equipment to around 70 countries. According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute 2020 report, India is in the list of top 25 countries in defence exports,” he said. Shedding light on other steps like ‘Srijan Portal’, notification of positive indigenisation lists of 209 items and ‘Strategic Partnership Model’, Singh reiterated the government’s resolve of ‘Make in India and Make for the World’. Reiterating the government’s resolve of ‘Make in India and Make for the World,’ Singh said ‘Srijan Portal’, notification of positive indigenisation lists of 209 items and ‘Strategic Partnership Model’ are steps in the this direction.