Rajnath Singh urges private sector defence industry to invest in R&D

TIL Desk/National/New Delhi/ Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday urged private sector defence companies to invest in research and development, particularly in technologies relating to cyberspace.  In an address at the annual session of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, he said the rapid changes in global security scenario are expected to increase demand for military equipment and the Indian industry must focus on boosting production.

Singh said the Indian defence industry should take advantage of the policy reforms initiated by the government in the last few years to boost domestic defence manufacturing. “You are all aware that the global situation is changing very rapidly. There is no region in the world today that has not been affected by these changes,” he said.

“Its impact can be seen on trade, economy, communication, political equation and military power,” Singh said, adding these changes are set to spur demand for military equipment. In this context, he urged the private sector to invest in research and development with a special focus on cyberspace.

“We are providing a suitable growth environment to the private sector. Accordingly, we have opened up opportunities to build fighter jets, helicopters, submarines and tanks in India through the strategic partnership model,” Singh said.