India to Control Security Needs to Be Future-Ready: Rajnath Singh
Raksha Mantri says self-reliance in defence is vital as India advances indigenous manufacturing capabilities
- Rajnath Singh performed Bhoomi Pujan for a 10,000-ton Aluminium Extrusion Press at YIL, Nagpur.
- He said India must achieve self-sufficiency in critical security requirements.
- Defence production touched a record ₹1.78 lakh crore and exports reached ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26.
- India is on course to achieve ₹3 lakh crore defence production and ₹50,000 crore export targets ahead of schedule.
GG News Bureau
Nagpur, 19th June: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said India must take control of its security-related necessities to remain prepared for future challenges, emphasising that a nation capable of fulfilling its own strategic requirements moves forward with greater confidence in protecting its interests.
Addressing the gathering after performing the Bhoomi Pujan for the state-of-the-art 10,000-ton Aluminium Extrusion Press at Ordnance Factory Ambajhari, a unit of Yantra India Limited (YIL), alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Singh said the facility symbolises India’s transition from import dependence to indigenous production of critical strategic materials.
The proposed Aluminium Extrusion Press will be among the most advanced facilities in the country and will manufacture large and complex aluminium alloy profiles required for fighter aircraft, missile systems, aerospace structures, railways, transportation and other strategic applications. It is expected to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen India’s domestic industrial supply chain.
Highlighting the role of indigenous equipment in the success of Operation Sindoor, the Raksha Mantri stressed the need to further strengthen domestic manufacturing of advanced defence systems and components. He said that although the nature of warfare is changing, the importance of a strong military-industrial base will continue in the future.
He stated that India’s defence production has increased from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, while defence exports have grown from less than ₹1,000 crore to ₹38,424 crore during the same period. He expressed confidence that the country would achieve its targets of ₹3 lakh crore defence production and ₹50,000 crore defence exports ahead of schedule.
Rajnath Singh said the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board was undertaken to create a more agile, innovative and globally competitive ecosystem. He noted that OFB’s production increased from ₹12,755 crore in FY 2019-20 to ₹26,282 crore in FY 2025-26, while exports surged from ₹81 crore to ₹4,561 crore, with YIL contributing ₹397 crore.
Emphasising the importance of research and development and capital investment, the Defence Minister said modern technology, advanced machinery and innovation are essential for industrial entities to remain competitive. He urged Defence Public Sector Undertakings to adopt global best practices and modern production systems to strengthen India’s position as a major defence manufacturing hub.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the Aluminium Extrusion Press as a major step towards achieving the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. He said India’s growing defence capabilities and increased collaboration between public and private sectors are strengthening the country’s position in the global defence market.
