India should not rely on defence imports, says minister Rajnath Singh

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh India cannot and should not rely on imports of military hardware. He added that the government is now committed to achieving self-reliance in defence production to prepare for future security challenges.

"Asserting that India cannot and should not rely on imports, Singh reaffirmed the government's commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing to remain prepared to deal with future security challenges," said the defence ministry in a statement.

Singh clarified that self-reliance does not mean isolation from the rest of the world. "It is to ensure national security and strategic autonomy through a modern military."

He was speaking at a conference of defence attaches (DAs) posted in Indian missions across the world. It was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs. Singh described the attaches as the bridge between India and friendly foreign countries.

The union minister urged defence attaches to showcase the capabilities of the Indian defence industry in their countries of posting. He added that DAs are making a significant contribution to securing national interests in line with the country's foreign policy. He also asked them to carry forward the vision of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

"India is manufacturing world-class and cost-effective weapons, equipment, and platforms, which are being internationally recognised. Our defence products are not only world-class and reliable in quality but also relatively economical," he added.

Singh further said self-reliance is the only way to make India strong and respected on the world stage amid the constantly-evolving global security scenario.