'India is not a country that begs to others'; Union Minister on India's role in defence exports

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said that in the coming years, India aims not to import weapons but to export them. The minister was speaking at the launch event of the indigenous stealth frigate Tavasya in Goa.

"We were once known as importers, but today, our country is not one that begs to others. It is a country that looks another country in the eye and talks," Seth said.

The central government aims to achieve defence exports worth Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. So far, India has already exported defence equipment to over 100 countries. India's move is to promote more local manufacturing by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

India's efforts to localize the production of warships have already yielded economic benefits. The Triput-class stealth frigates, including Tavasya, are being built using 56% indigenous equipment. The new initiative is expected to attract an investment of Rs 7,000 crore into India's economy. The project also includes about 450 small, medium, and micro enterprises.

The Indian defence industry is undergoing a significant transformation. The Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) of 2020 has played a pivotal role in positioning India as a key player in the global arms market. As part of this policy, India has successfully exported defence equipment, including missiles and naval vessels, to multiple countries.