Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Monday that 250 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed for the establishment of industrial units in the Defence Industrial Corridors of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Speaking at the CEO’s Roundtable Conference at Aero India 2025, Singh highlighted the government’s efforts to boost domestic defence manufacturing and foreign investment.
“We have established two Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. So far, more than 250 MoUs have been signed for setting up industrial units in these corridors,” he said.
Addressing foreign defence manufacturers, Singh noted that the government has permitted up to 75% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the Automatic Route for companies seeking a new defence license, while 100% FDI is allowed under the government approval route.
“To date, a total of 46 joint ventures and companies have received foreign investment approvals in the defence sector,” he added.
Emphasizing the changing nature of warfare, Singh underscored the need for continuous advancements in defence technology.
“The use of drones in recent conflicts indicates that future warfare will rely on an integrated approach involving manned, unmanned, and autonomous systems,” he said.
He also noted a shift from hardware-based systems to software-driven solutions, with growing reliance on space-based communication, navigation, and surveillance systems.
Singh reiterated India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We have taken numerous initiatives to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing. In these challenging times, where global security is fragile and technology is reshaping the battlefield, this Round Table provides an opportunity to deliberate on new processes and innovations,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted India’s emergence as a major defence exporter, citing a 31-fold increase in defence exports over the past decade compared to 2013-14.
To further streamline exports, Singh said the Defence Exim portal has simplified the authorization process, making it easier for Indian manufacturers to reach global markets.
Earlier in the day, Singh inaugurated Aero India 2025, Asia’s premier aerospace exhibition, at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru. Comparing the event to the grand Mahakumbh Mela, he described it as a symbol of India’s strength and resilience in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
“On one hand, Prayagraj’s Mahakumbh reflects India’s cultural heritage and self-respect. On the other, Aero India is a Mahakumbh of research, courage, and armaments. While Prayagraj strengthens our spiritual traditions, Aero India strengthens our military and technological capabilities,” he remarked.
Underscoring the importance of a strong military, Singh asserted that peace cannot be ensured through weakness.
“Only by becoming stronger can India contribute to a better world order,” he stated.
With its 15th edition, Aero India 2025 is set to showcase India’s growing defence capabilities, featuring participation from global defence leaders, manufacturers, and policymakers.
(Inputs from ANI)
