Rajnath Singh Aims for Rs 50,000 Crore Defence Exports by 2029-30
Event at IIT Kanpur
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that India will export over Rs 50,000 crore in defence items by 2029-30. Speaking at IIT Kanpur’s 65th Foundation Day, he emphasized the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production through collaboration with academia.
Technological Advancements
Singh highlighted the importance of developing high-end technologies domestically to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. He categorized countries into three groups based on technological advancement, placing India in the third group, which is on the rise.
Role of IIT Kanpur
He praised institutions like IIT Kanpur as key players in driving technological progress and self-reliance. Singh noted that India’s defence exports have grown from Rs 600 crore ten years ago to Rs 21,000 crore in FY 2023-24.
Focus on Innovation
Singh discussed the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, which supports start-ups with grants for developing defence technologies. He also mentioned the ADITI scheme, offering up to Rs 25 crore for strategic innovations.
Exhibition and Partnerships
During the event, Singh visited a showcase of defence innovations by start-ups at IIT Kanpur. Several partnerships were announced, including collaborations with BEML, HAL, and Kanpur University to enhance military logistics and innovation.
Doubts Revealed
Rajnath Singh -: Rajnath Singh is an important leader in India. He is the Union Defence Minister, which means he is responsible for the country’s defense and military matters.
Rs 50,000 Crore -: Rs 50,000 Crore is a very large amount of money. In India, ‘Rs’ stands for Rupees, which is the currency used in the country. Crore is a term used in India to represent ten million.
Defence Exports -: Defence exports refer to selling military equipment and technology to other countries. This can include things like weapons, vehicles, and other defense-related items.
IIT Kanpur -: IIT Kanpur is a famous engineering and technology institute in India. It is known for its advanced research and education in science and technology.
Self-reliance -: Self-reliance means being able to do things on your own without needing help from others. In this context, it means India wants to make its own defense equipment instead of buying from other countries.
iDEX -: iDEX stands for Innovations for Defence Excellence. It is a program in India that encourages new ideas and technologies for defense purposes.
ADITI -: ADITI is an initiative to support innovation in defense technology. It helps in developing new and advanced technologies for the defense sector.
BEML -: BEML is a company in India that makes equipment for defense, railways, and other industries. It stands for Bharat Earth Movers Limited.
HAL -: HAL stands for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is an Indian company that makes aircraft and other aerospace products.