Rajnath Singh calls for a ‘self-reliant’ defense industry amid Afghan crisis

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday made a strong pitch for a strong, capable and completely ‘self-reliant’ defense industry amid major geo-political changes in Asia caused by the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan.

Although Singh did not directly refer to the Taliban takeover across the border, his remarks seem to allude to the rising tensions in the region. The Minister said that challenges to India’s national security are increasing and becoming complex.

Calling upon the private sector to invest in strengthening the defense industry, Singh said that it is necessary to not only create strong, modern and well-equipped forces but also to develop the sector and become completely ‘self-reliant’.

The government has been moving forward to reduce the country’s dependence on military exports and support domestic manufacturing.