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Rajnath Singh Stresses Drone Self-Reliance Amid Global Conflicts

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a National Defence Industrial Conclave in Delhi, calling for complete self-reliance in drone manufacturing. He emphasized the critical role of drones in modern warfare, citing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel conflicts. Singh warned of the current dependency on imported components, especially from China, for India's strategic autonomy. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed preparations in Haldwani for the Defence Minister's scheduled visit.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Calls for Self-Reliance in Drone Manufacturing

  • Stresses self-reliance in drone tech
  • Highlights Russia-Ukraine & Iran-Israel conflicts
  • Warns of dependency on Chinese components
  • Launches new Defence India Startup Challenge
2 min read

Uttarakhand CM Dhami reviews preparations ahead of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Haldwani

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates defence conclave, urges MSMEs to build a complete domestic drone ecosystem for India's strategic autonomy.

"Today, when the world is witnessing conflicts... drones and counter-drone technologies will play a very significant role in future warfare. - Rajnath Singh"

Nainital, March 20

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday conducted an on-site inspection of the event venue in Haldwani along with officials in view of the preparations for the proposed visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh scheduled for Saturday.

Dhami also held a review meeting with divisional and district officials at the Circuit House in Haldwani to assess the preparations for the Union Defence Minister's proposed visit.

Meanwhile, Singh on Thursday inaugurated a two-day National Defence Industrial Conclave in Delhi. During the event, he called upon innovators and MSMEs to work towards self-reliance. Referring to the current global scenario, he said that India especially needs to become self-reliant in the field of drones.

The Defence Minister said, "Today, when the world is witnessing conflicts between Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel, it is clear that drones and counter-drone technologies will play a very significant role in future warfare. Today, there is a need to create such a drone manufacturing ecosystem in India in which we are completely self-reliant. This self-reliance is important not only at the product level but also at the component level. That means the drone's mould, software, engine and batteries are all made in India."

Referring to China, the Defence Minister said that, "This task is not easy because in most of the countries where drones are manufactured, many critical components are imported from another country, especially from China. For India's defence preparedness and strategic autonomy, India must become completely self-reliant in drone manufacturing."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the Defence Industry Exhibition on the occasion. He said, "After seeing many innovations at the exhibition, it was evident that MSMEs and innovators are making a significant contribution toward making the country self-reliant in defence."

"Today, with more than 100 challenges, the 14th edition of the Defence India Startup Challenge has been launched. Considering the success of DISC so far, more than 100 challenges are being presented for the first time by Defence Public Sector Undertakings. I extend best wishes to all innovators for the new edition of DISC." He added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Self-reliance in drones is absolutely critical. Given our border situation, we cannot depend on imports, especially from China. Rajnath Singh ji is right. MSMEs and startups need full government support to make this a reality. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
While the intent is good, I hope these reviews and conclaves lead to on-ground results. We've heard a lot about 'Make in India' in defence. The real test is creating a sustainable ecosystem, not just one-off events. Fingers crossed.
S
Sarah B
Interesting read. The global conflicts mentioned really highlight why drone tech is the future. If India can master this from components to software, it will be a huge strategic win. The Startup Challenge is a great initiative to tap into innovation.
K
Karthik V
Uttarakhand getting this attention is good for the hill state's development. But beyond the VIP visit, we need consistent policies for border states. Self-reliance in defence manufacturing should also mean setting up units in states like ours, not just metros.
M
Michael C
The component-level self-reliance point is key. Anyone can assemble a drone. Creating the entire supply chain, from batteries to software, within India is the real challenge. If achieved, it would be a remarkable feat of engineering and industrial policy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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