Vadodara : Calling upon industries to play a central role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh urged regional industries to transform local strengths into national capabilities, local innovations into global competitiveness, and industrial growth into strategic strength while addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Vadodara.
The conference brought together industrialists, entrepreneurs, innovators and academicians to discuss Gujarat’s role in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and Gujarat Minister Dr. Manisha Vakil were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said Viksit Bharat is not merely an economic objective but a national mission to build an economically prosperous, technologically advanced and socially empowered India. He stressed that in today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, India’s future global standing will depend on economic strength, technological leadership and national security, which together form the foundation of a developed nation.
“History teaches us that great nations stand on three essential pillars—economic strength, technological prowess and national security. Economic prosperity and technological advancement reinforce national security, while a secure nation provides the stability that allows industry and innovation to flourish,” he said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the defence sector, the Raksha Mantri said defence manufacturing extends beyond producing weapons and military equipment, acting as a catalyst for infrastructure development, logistics, industrial growth, employment generation and technological innovation.
He noted that initiatives such as Make in India, reforms in the Defence Acquisition Procedure, the Technology Development Fund, iDEX, Srijan Portal, Defence Testing Infrastructure, Green Channel Certification and Self-Certification have significantly strengthened indigenous defence manufacturing while encouraging MSMEs, start-ups and private sector participation.
Sharing the progress achieved over the last decade, Rajnath Singh said India’s domestic defence production has increased from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a record ₹1.78 lakh crore, while defence exports have grown from less than ₹1,000 crore to an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore, reflecting the country’s emergence as a global defence manufacturing hub.
Clarifying the vision behind Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he said self-reliance does not imply isolation but represents India’s ability to stand confidently on its own while collaborating globally through technology partnerships, joint ventures and foreign investments.
The Defence Minister also highlighted Gujarat’s growing importance in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. Referring to the Tata-Airbus C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara and the production of the K-9 Vajra self-propelled artillery system, he said Gujarat possesses the industrial capabilities, skilled workforce and entrepreneurial ecosystem required to become a leading defence and aerospace manufacturing hub.
He further stated that the emerging semiconductor ecosystem in Sanand and Dholera will play a crucial role in strengthening India’s technological sovereignty in critical sectors including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity and space technology.
Rajnath Singh also emphasised that Gujarat’s strengths in chemicals, petrochemicals, electronics, shipbuilding, renewable energy and green hydrogen can significantly contribute to next-generation defence technologies and strategic manufacturing. During the event, the Raksha Mantri interacted with representatives from private industries, MSMEs, start-ups and academia, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling ecosystem for innovation, defence manufacturing and industrial growth. He also visited an exhibition showcasing innovations across defence, aerospace, MSMEs, mobility, exports, heavy industries, women entrepreneurship, tribal products and advanced manufacturing.
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference forms part of the Gujarat Government’s broader initiative to promote regional industrial development and align local growth opportunities with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Gujarat @2047, strengthening Gujarat’s position as a key driver of India’s economic and industrial transformation.