NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that Operation Sindoor was testimony to India’s defence preparedness, sharpened by the transformation of defence sector through Modi-led govt’s sustained efforts.“Advanced systems such as Akash Teer, Akash missile system and BrahMos were effectively used during the operation alongside various other state-of-the-art equipment. This is due to the foundation laid over the past 12 years,” he said.At an event in Delhi, Rajnath underlined that the establishment of defence industrial corridors in UP and Tamil Nadu is another pathbreaking reform for achieving the goal of self-reliance. He said advanced defence manufacturing is being carried out within these corridors, with many companies integrating into global supply chains. “Investments worth Rs 70,000 crore have been proposed for these two defence corridors, with around Rs 10,000 crore already invested. This has created new employment opportunities for the youth. The UP Defence Industrial Corridor, in particular, has emerged as a powerful example of the success of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” he said. Highlighting the steps taken by govt to foster Aatmanirbharta in defence, Rajnath stated that five positive indigenisation lists have, so far, been issued by defence forces comprising 509 items, in addition to five by defence PSUs consisting of 5,012 items. “As we move forward with determination and a systematic approach towards building a self-reliant and empowered defence sector, another positive indigenisation list will soon be notified to further accelerate this vision,” he said.Enumerating the reforms introduced in defence acquisition, the minister highlighted that the steps are aimed at ensuring that Indian industries reap the benefits of defence modernisation. “75% of the budget allocated for defence modernisation has been earmarked for procurement from Indian industries. Under the new Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), priority is being given to mechanisms such as ‘Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed & Manufactured’. This new DAP, to be unveiled this year, will provide fresh momentum to domestic defence production,” he said.
