While stressing the importance of technological advancements in the defence sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that cyber security concerns are not restricted to the digital realm but are a matter of national security.
“India's IT sector is our great strength. The more we use this power in our defence sector, the more confident we will be in our security. For example, cyber security is no longer limited to the digital world only. It has become a matter of national security,” Prime Minister Modi said on Friday.
PM Modi stated during a webinar on ‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence-Call to Action' that the defence sector should leverage India's technological strength.
According to Prime Minister Modi, the process of importing defence equipment is so lengthy that by the time they reach our security forces, many of them are obsolete, and so the solution is to shift to local production.
“Even during the period of slavery and immediately after Independence, the strength of our defence manufacturing was very high. Weapons made in India played a big role in World War II,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi highlighted India's defence requirements, noting that the country's defence exports had expanded sixfold in the last five to six years. “It's also quite satisfying to know that in the last five to six years, we've boosted defence exports sixfold. Today, we export defensive equipment and services manufactured in India to more than 75 nations,” Prime Minister Modi saidid.
PM Modi stated, “Our ordnance factories have shown that when we move forward with determination and full sincerity we achieve desired results. Last year, we created seven new defence public undertakings. Today, they are expanding capacities rapidly and are reaching new markets.”
PM Modi also highlighted that over 350 new industrial licences for defence manufacture had been awarded in the last seven years, demonstrating the government's commitment to ‘Make in India'. Between 2001 and 2014, only 200 permits were issued, he added.
The Prime Minister said, “Transparent, time-bound, pragmatic, and equitable methods of trial, testing, and certification are critical for the continued expansion of a vibrant defence sector.” “Transparent, time-bound, pragmatic, and equitable methods of trial, testing, and certification are critical for the continued expansion of thriving defence industry. For this, an independent structure may prove beneficial in resolving issues,” Prime Minister said.
