Private sector must lead defence production: Rajnath Singh

BENGALURU: In a show of strong support for the private sector that has been making strong investments into defence manufacturing, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the time has come for the private industry to take a lead in the sector in India.

Speaking at the valedictory event of AeroIndia, the minister said that besides the public and private sectors, the armed forces are playing the biggest role in the country's pursuit for self reliance and have wholeheartedly adopted indigenously manufactured weapons.

"Today, we are at a juncture where many defence products, including fighter jets, missile systems and naval vessels are not only protecting our borders, but also catching the attention of the world," the minister said.


He added that "from small artillery to large platforms like Brahmos and Akash missile system, we are exporting a variety of products to many countries" and India has been strengthening its international partnerships with defence exports.