Namaskar!
Joining us today in this important programme related to national defense is the Defense Minister of the country Shri Rajnath Singh ji, the Defense Minister of the state Shri Ajay Bhatt ji, all the officers of the Ministry of Defense, and all the friends from across the country!
Just two days ago, in the midst of this holy festival of Navratri, on the day of Ashtami, I had got the opportunity to launch the programme called 'Gati Shakti' with an extremely comprehensive planning and on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami today we are celebrating those who are spending day and night to make the nation invincible and to empower the nation with this opportunity to walk in a new direction to modernize further. Following the great tradition of India, this programme has been started with weapon worship. We believe in power as a means of creation. With this spirit, today the country is increasing its potential and all of you are the charioteer of the country's resolves. I once again extend my warm greetings to all of you and to the entire nation on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami.
Friends,
This day also marks the birth anniversary of former President, Bharat Ratna, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam ji. The way Kalam sahib had dedicated his life to building a powerful India, is an inspiration for all of us. The 7 new companies that are going to enter the defense sector today will further strengthen his resolve of an able nation.
Friends,
This year India has entered its 75th year of independence. In this period of 'Amritkal' of independence, the country is taking up new resolutions to build a new future. And the work which was stuck for decades, is also being completed. The decision to revamp 41 Ordnance Factories and the launch of 7 new companies are a part of this journey of the country's accomplishment of resolutions. This decision was pending for the last 15-20 years. I am confident that all these seven companies will become a strong foundation for India's military strength in the times to come.
Friends,
Our ordnance factories were once among the most powerful institutions in the world. These factories have more than 100-150 years of experience. The world has seen the strength of India's Ordnance Factories at the time of World War I. We used to have better resources and world class skills. After independence, we needed to upgrade these factories and adopt new age technology! But it was not given much attention. Over time, India became dependent on foreign countries for its strategic needs. These new 7 defense companies will play a major role in changing this situation.
Friends,
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, the country aims to make India the world's biggest military power on its own as well as to develop the modern military industry in India. In the last seven years, the country has worked to take this resolve forward with the mantra of 'Make in India'. Today, there is more transparency, trust, and a technology driven approach in the defense sector of the country than ever before. For the first time since independence, several major reforms have been brought in our defense sector; and instead of the policies that were notorious for creating bottle-necks, a single window system has been created. This has boosted the confidence of our industry. The Indian companies have also started exploring possibilities for themselves in the defense industry, and now the private sector and the government together, are moving ahead with the mission of defense of the nation.
We have the examples of Defense Corridors of UP and Tamil Nadu before us. In such a short span of time, major companies have shown their interest in 'Make in India'. This is also creating new opportunities for the youth in the country and opening up new possibilities for several MSMEs in the form of supply chains. As a result of the policy changes made in the country, our defense exports have increased by more than 325 percent in the last 5 years.
Friends,
Some time back, the Ministry of Defense had released a list of more than 100 such tactical equipment which will no longer be imported from outside. For these new companies too, the country has already placed orders worth Rs 65 thousand crores. This shows the country's faith in our defense industry. There seems to be a growing confidence. One company will meet the requirements of ammunition and explosives, while the other company will manufacture army vehicles. Similarly, be it advanced weapons and equipment, troops comfort items, optical electronics, or parachutes - our aim is to make every Indian company not only an expert in these areas, but also to turn them into a global brand. Competitive cost is our strength. So, quality and reliability should be our identity.
Friends,
I am sure that with this new arrangement, the talented people that we have in our ordnance factories, who want to innovate, will get complete freedom to showcase their talent. When such experts get an opportunity to innovate, when they get an opportunity to showcase their talent, they do wonders. The products that you will create with your expertise will not only increase the strength and capabilities of India's defense sector, but will also remove the gap that had been created after independence.
Friends,
In the 21st century, be it a country or a company, its growth and brand value is determined by its research and innovation capabilities. For example, India's growth and new identity created by sectors ranging from software to the space sector. Therefore, I also make a special request to all the seven companies to ensure that research and innovation are a part of your work culture. These should get priority. You not only have to be at par with the world's biggest companies, but must also take the lead in future technology. Therefore, it is crucial that you have a fresh approach, think of new ideas, give maximum opportunities to research oriented youth and give them full freedom to think & innovate. I would also like to tell the startups of the country to be a part of this new beginning that has been brought about through these 7 companies. Try to think of ways in which your research and products can mutually benefit each other and increase one another's capabilities in conjunction with these companies.
Friends,
Besides giving a better production environment to all the companies, the government has also given full functional autonomy. Moreover, it has also been ensured that the interests of the workers of these factories are fully protected. I am sure that your expertise will greatly benefit the country, and together we will fulfill our resolve of a self-reliant India.
With the same spirit, once again I wish you all a very Happy Vijayadashami. Thank you all!
