Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s recent video, where he criticized the government’s Drone Policy while showcasing what appeared to be a Chinese-made drone, has sparked strong reactions from industry leaders.
Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation of India, expressed disappointment over Gandhi’s remarks. He stated that it is concerning when individuals with significant political responsibility belittle the efforts of India’s drone industry.
Shah pointed out that India is home to over 400 drone companies, along with 40 to 50 component manufacturers, all working diligently to overcome challenges.
He emphasized that such statements are discouraging, especially when someone influential in the public sphere undermines the hard work of the entire sector.
Shah stated, “When someone with significant responsibility takes up a Chinese drone and belittles the entire industry, then young people like me have to speak up. There are over 400 companies in our country and about 40 to 50 drone component companies that are working very hard to deal with all these challenges.”
“And then someone whose personality is followed by at least some section of society comes and takes up a Chinese drone and says that we don’t understand anything in India and none of these parts are made in India. So it is quite discouraging,” he further added.
Expanding on the dynamics of the drone industry, Shah highlighted, “When we talk about drones, there are three aspects: regulation, technology, and adoptation. Since 2021, the government has prioritized clearing policy and regulatory aspects first.”
“Handling a drone that belongs to DJI and is banned. I mean, it is a little uncomfortable for me and probably for the whole community,” he further asserted.
Clear Understanding Of Drone Opportunities
The President of the Drone Federation of India further remarked, “In 2021, the government, with the support of the industry and academia, actively took a stance that we no longer believe that we are confused or we are looking at drones through the prism of confusion. We very clearly understand that drones are an opportunity.”
“The technology has used for quite some time now, but it has to be one of the most important technologies going forward, which is when there was a focus on making India a global drone hub,” he added.
Shah reiterated that India’s drone industry is rapidly advancing, with companies producing 60-70% of their components indigenously.
“The first thing that led to this whole focus on drones was that ease of doing business. A regulation came out that essentially talked about how people can manufacture drones, certified drones, fly drones and many other things around regulation. We have so many companies that are doing more than 60-70% of components indigenously,” he said.
Drone Technology In Indian Villages & Healthcare
The President of the Drone Federation of India mentioned, “India is the only country where about 3 lakh villages have mapped through drones for the land record digitisation that is happening. India is the only country where 15 thousand self-help groups are getting drones. More than ten states have done their pilot project for healthcare delivery.”
Rahul Gandhi earlier emphasized the need for a strong industrial framework and a clear vision to drive national progress. He also questioned the government’s grasp of modern technological advancements, especially in drones and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition further criticized Prime Minister Modi for delivering ‘teleprompter’ speeches without a solid grasp of the technologies he discussed.
Taking to social media, Rahul Gandhi shared a video detailing how drones have transformed warfare, integrating batteries, motors, and optics to enhance battlefield communication and maneuverability.
“Drones have revolutionised warfare, combining batteries, motors and optics to manoeuvre and communicate on the battlefield in unprecedented ways. Drones represent not just a single technology but emerge as bottom-up innovations driven by a strong industrial system. Unfortunately, PM Modi has failed to grasp this,” he posted on X.
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