Rajnath Singh Unveils Maharana Pratap Statue; Highlights India’s Defence Export Growth

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday unveiled a statue of Maharana Pratap in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, paying tribute to the legendary warrior known for his bravery and resistance against Mughal rule.

During the event, Singh praised the government’s strides in boosting self-reliance in the defence sector and outlined ambitious targets for the future.

India’s Defence Exports Surge To Rs 24,000 Crore

Addressing the gathering, Singh emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing.

“When our government took office in 2014, defence exports stood at around Rs 600 crore. Today, we’ve raised that figure to approximately Rs 24,000 crore,” Singh said.

He projected that India’s defence exports would reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029–30, adding, “This is not just a goal—we will achieve it. Our commitment to self-reliance in defence is unwavering.”

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eyes Industrial Growth In Sambhaji Nagar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also attended the ceremony and paid tribute to Maharana Pratap.

He spoke about the region’s growing industrial significance, crediting recent infrastructure projects.

“When I decided to build the Samruddhi Highway, I used to say that Pune was Maharashtra’s industrial magnet. But now, that magnet is shifting to Sambhaji Nagar and Jalna,” Fadnavis noted. “Every time we bring industrialists here, they invest and choose to stay.”

Rajnath Singh Stresses Need For Resilient Supply Chains

A day before the event, Singh addressed senior defence officials and private sector representatives at an event at the Manekshaw Centre, where he discussed broader global trade dynamics.

He pointed out the growing risks tied to overreliance on foreign components, logistics disruptions, and the limitations of the ‘Just in Time’ manufacturing approach.

“Trade restrictions, tariff wars, and fractured supply chains have exposed the vulnerabilities of the current system,” Singh said. “Our goal is to prepare our armed forces for the future by strengthening our domestic ecosystem.”

Rajnath Singh Reinforces Push for Self-Reliant Defence Sector

Reiterating his earlier message, Singh assured that the government has taken multiple steps to achieve self-reliance in defence production.

His statements reflect a broader vision to position India as a global hub for defence manufacturing and innovation.

As India continues its push toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), both government leaders and industry stakeholders appear aligned in transforming the nation into a key player in global defence exports.

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