Defence Industry body lauds unprecedented growth in Indian defence production, exports

New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) today hailed the remarkable growth in India’s defence production and exports, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 5, 2024.

With domestic defence production surging to a record-breaking Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 16.7 per cent increase over the previous year and a staggering 60 per cent growth compared to 2019-20, India has solidified its position as a rising global defence powerhouse. Simultaneously, defence exports have soared to an unprecedented Rs 21083 crore, marking a nearly 35 per cent increase over the previous fiscal.

This achievement is a testament to the Prime Minister’s visionary ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the tireless efforts of the Ministry of Defence under the leadership of the Defence Minister. As a testimony of the maturing Defence Industrial Base of India, a feather in the cap for the government is that 60 per cent of this is attributed to the Private Sector.

Rajinder Bhatia, President of SIDM expressing delight at this unprecedented growth, stated, “Initially, the targets set forth in the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) seemed ambitious. However, through the collective efforts of the government, the defence industry, and SIDM, we have not only achieved but are on the cusp of surpassing these goals.”

The DPEPP, coupled with the government’s proactive policies and the industry’s resilience, has created a conducive ecosystem for innovation, research, and development. The Prime Minister’s unwavering support and the Ministry of Defence’s strategic guidance have been instrumental in empowering the Indian defence industry to scale new heights.

SIDM has played a pivotal role in this transformation by advocating for industry interests, simplifying regulatory hurdles, and fostering collaboration between policymakers and industry stakeholders. The organization, as the apex Industry body dedicated to defence manufacturers, has been instrumental in empowering the Indian Defence Industry, especially the MSMEs, which form the backbone of the defence supply chain.

The synergy between the public and private sectors has been a cornerstone of this success. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have leveraged their legacy and expertise, while the private sector has brought in innovation and agility. This harmonious collaboration has propelled India to the forefront of global defence manufacturing.

SIDM acknowledges the significant role played by various government initiatives, including iDEX, TDF, and the Indian Missions abroad, in bolstering the domestic defence ecosystem. The organization’s global outreach initiative, duly supported by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Attaches abroad, has also contributed to expanding India’s defence footprint in far-off land, during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

While lauding these achievements, SIDM emphasizes the need for continued focus on innovation, technology advancements, and robust supply chains. The organization remains committed to supporting the government and the industry in their pursuit of making India a global leader in defence manufacturing and exports.

SIDM extends its gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his visionary leadership, the Ministry of Defence for its unwavering support, and the entire defence industry for their relentless dedication. Together, they have embarked on a historic journey that promises to transform India into a global defence powerhouse.