New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world will not respect Indian-developed weapons if we don't do it ourselves. "If you do not give love and respect to your own child and expect the same from your neighbours, can it be done?"
He was speaking at the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar 'Swavlamban' at Ambedkar International Centre.
He added that the world came forward to show confidence in BRAHMOS because Indians did it first. "Innovation is a necessity and it should be regular and only indigenous, no innovation can be done from items available for sale," added the PM.
The Prime Minister noted that Indians are addicted to imported products and have developed the habit of being dependent on foreign countries for even the simplest products.
"We worked on mission mode after 2014 to change this mindset." He added that we can create a new ecosystem of Defence with the help of everyone after learning from the approach of the past.
Speaking about 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence, he said it is very crucial for India in the 21st century. "Creating 75 indigenous technologies for the Navy by August 15, 2023, is the first step. The goal should be to take India's defence to unprecedented heights by the time we celebrate 100 years of independence," he added.
At the same event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said innovation and indigenisation are two components of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. "In a few cases, the ingenious equipment in defence manufacturing has reached up to 90%. India is now fulfilling the defence requirements of other nations."
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and SP Shukla, President of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) were also present at the event.