New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that the objective of his ministry would be to increase exports, and set the target at ₹ 50,000 crore in the year 2028-29. He was speaking at a review meeting on the 100-day action plan of the defence ministry after taking charge for the second consecutive time as defence minister on Thursday.
Singh said noted that defence exports had touched a record ₹ 21,083 crore in financial year 2023-24. “It was historic,” he said.
Singh said that the focus would also be on providing renewed thrust in priority areas to establish a more secure, self-reliant and prosperous nation.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our aim will be to further strengthen the security apparatus of the country, with focus on achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Armed forces modernisation and the welfare of the soldiers, both serving and retired, will continue to be our main focus,” he said.
The defence minister asserted that the armed forces were being equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and platforms and were ready to face every challenge. He commended the military personnel for protecting the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation with valour and commitment.
ingh said that he would be conducting regular review meetings to fast-track the progress of the flagship schemes and the initiatives of MoD. Emphasising the growing salience of the Indian Ocean Region in the defence calculus, defence minister has decided on his first visit in this tenure to the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam, wherein he will be interacting with the officers and sailors.
Singh was welcomed at South Block by defence MoS Sanjay Seth, who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the tri-service chiefs General Manoj Pande, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, defence secretary Giridhar Aramane; DRDO chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat.
Later on, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval called on Singh.
