New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Monday said India has transformed from a defence importer into a defence exporter under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that the country’s progress in the sector has drawn global attention.
Addressing a programme organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at its headquarters to commemorate the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Seth highlighted the rapid growth of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
He said that, alongside defence public sector undertakings, nearly 17,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and a fast-growing startup ecosystem are now contributing to the country’s defence sector.
“There was a time when India depended on importing weapons. That is no longer the case. India has emerged as a defence exporter,” the minister said.
Seth added that the country’s achievements in defence production and exports have surprised the world and reflected India’s growing self-reliance and technological capabilities in the sector.
