India cannot and should not rely on imports of military hardware and the government is committed to achieve self-reliance in defence production to remain prepared to deal with any future security challenges, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday.
He also noted that 'Atma Nirbharta' (self-reliance) does not mean isolation from the rest of the world, but ensuring national security and strategic autonomy through a modern military.
The defence minister was addressing a conference of defence attaches (DAs) posted in Indian missions across the globe.
The conference was also attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs.
In his address, Mr Singh described the defence attaches as the bridge between India and friendly foreign countries for mutual defence cooperation.
He also urged them to showcase the capabilities of the Indian defence industry in their countries of posting.
Appreciating the performance of the DAs, the Raksha Mantri said they are making a significant contribution in securing national interests in line with the country's foreign policy.
The defence minister called upon the DAs to carry forward the government's vision of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing, describing it as the only way to make India strong and respected at the world stage amid the constantly-evolving global security scenario.
"Asserting that India cannot and should not rely on imports, Singh reaffirmed the government's commitment to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing to remain prepared to deal with future security challenges," the defence ministry said in a statement.
He termed the defence attaches as the forerunners of 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence.
"India is manufacturing world class and cost-effective weapons, equipment and platforms, which are being internationally recognised. Our defence products are not only world class and reliable in quality but also relatively economical," Singh said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Rajnath Singh Chairs Key Security Meet Over Rising Terror Attacks In J&K Rahul Gandhi, Rajnath Singh Face Off In Lok Sabha Over Agnipath Scheme Implement Central Schemes "In Letter And Spirit", BJP Chief Ministers Told How Extreme Weather Is Leading To Rise In Child Marriages In Pakistan Mamata Banerjee's Sunday Ultimatum To CBI For Death Penalty In Rape-Murder Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death Jammu And Kashmir, Haryana Assembly Election Dates Announced. See Details GATE 2025 Information Brochure Out, Check Highlights Of Exam 4 Arrested In Chinese-linked Online Betting App Fraud Worth Rs 400 Crore Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.