Rajnath Singh Announces Plan to Scale Domestic Defence Production to ₹3 Lakh Crore
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today announced India’s remarkable 300% growth in defence exports – from ₹600 crore to ₹2,400 crore – while unveiling ambitious plans to scale domestic defence manufacturing to ₹3 lakh crore. The announcement came during a seminar organized by the Chamber of Marathwada Industries and Agriculture, with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in attendance.
Key Highlights: India’s Defence Manufacturing Boom
✅ Defence exports surge 300% (₹600 cr → ₹2,400 cr)
✅ 500+ defence products now made in India
✅ New target: ₹3 lakh crore domestic defence production
✅ Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar proposed as defence manufacturing hub
✅ CM Fadnavis to lead industrial delegation to Delhi for defence sector collaboration
“Atmanirbhar Bharat in Action”: Rajnath Singh
“We’ve transformed from defence importers to exporters. With over 500 products now made domestically, we’re reducing foreign dependence while creating jobs and technological prowess.”
The Minister invited Maharashtra entrepreneurs to capitalize on the sector’s potential:
“Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s industrial ecosystem makes it ideal for a defence cluster. I urge CM Fadnavis to bring a delegation to Delhi for concrete discussions.”
Why Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar?
Maharashtra CM highlighted the city’s advantages:
🔹 10,000 acres already allotted to industries
🔹 8,000 more acres planned for expansion
🔹 Pioneer in EV manufacturing, now eyeing defence
🔹 Skilled workforce, robust infrastructure
🔹 Proposed auto-cluster model to be replicated for defence
“Just as we developed an auto cluster here, we can create a defence manufacturing hub. Our entrepreneurs are ready,” said Fadnavis.
Historical Context: Honoring Legacy While Moving Forward
The leaders also unveiled a statue of Maharana Pratap, with Singh emphasizing India’s composite culture:
“Our icons like Shivaji Maharaj and Maharana Pratap united communities. Shivaji’s trusted guard was Muslim – this is our inclusive heritage.”
On Aurangzeb controversy, Singh quoted Nehru:
“How can a ruler who destroyed temples and imposed Jaziya be glorified? We must correct historical narratives.”
The Road Ahead for Defence Self-Reliance
- Policy push: Focus on indigenous production of 500+ defence items
- Industrial growth: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar emerging as key manufacturing hub
- Employment potential: Thousands of skilled jobs in defence tech
- Export ambition: Building global competitiveness in defence equipment
