Only Indian-made equipment will be used by the Indian forces: Rajnath Singh

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that India had conveyed to the US, Russia, France and many of its partner countries that military platforms and equipment required by the Indian armed forces had to be manufactured in the country.

He said, “Our aim is not to attack anyone, but prepare our armed forces to be ready at all times to give a befitting reply to the country’s enemies. India cannot depend on other countries for defense technologies due to its stature, geographical location and the security challenges it faces.”

“We have conveyed this message to the US, Russia, France and others as well and we do not hesitate to communicate this message. He further stated that the message to the countries producing military equipment has been that “Come make in India, come make for India and come make for the world”.

At the 94th Annual General Body Meeting of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Singh said following his talks with French Defense Minister Florence Parly, it was agreed that a major French company will produce "an engine" in India by joining hands with an Indian company under the strategic partnership model.

On efforts to boost the domestic defense industry, he clarified that in this decade, they would increase the items under the Positive list for Indigenisation from 209 to over 1000.