Rajnath Singh at Naval Commanders’ Conference in Delhi

NewsGate Press Network

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has given more than one reason for India to become self-reliant rather than being dependent upon overseas manufacturers specially in the defence sector.

Stating this during the Naval Commanders’ Conference, the defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday the 28th of April 2022 said whatever is happening in Europe has once again highlighted urgent need for ‘make in India’ products “without dependencies”.

The conference has provided an opportunity to the naval commanders to draw tactical lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict while calibrating contingencies.

The defence minister expressed happiness that “the Navy has re-invested over 64 per cent of its Capital budget into our own economy.” I am told that the percentage share of modernisation budget is bound to grow upto 70 per cent towards indigenous procurement, in this current financial year, he said.

“All out efforts need to be made so that the first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant is delivered and commissioned in the 75th year of our Independence.

The ship has successfully completed three successful sea trials and it is most likely set to be commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2022- the day when nation will be celebrating 75 year of independence.

The defence minister added that it was matter of national pride that out of 41 ships and submarines which are on order, 39 are being built in Indian shipyards and urged top naval leadership to ensure that the nation’s maritime power grows in tandem with the country’s economic interests.