The Nation’s March Towards Self-Reliance for Future Defence Preparedness - Rajnath Singh

Nagpur, 19th – To ensure the country remains defence-ready for the future, it is crucial to maintain control over the essential requirements of the defence sector. In this context, Yantra India’s state-of-the-art aluminium extrusion press project will prove pivotal in reducing India's import dependency and steering the nation towards self-reliance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence today that this project would significantly boost the production of high-quality aluminium alloys—essential for defence, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, missile programs, railways, and other strategic sectors—thereby substantially enhancing the country's defence capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the 10,000-tonne capacity state-of-the-art aluminium extrusion press project at Yantra India Limited’s Ambazari Ordnance Factory. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was specially present at the event. Also in attendance were Sanjeev Kumar (Secretary, Department of Defence Production), Garima Bhagat (Joint Secretary), Vijay Kumar Iyer (CMD, Yantra India Limited), and other senior officials from the Defence Department.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that this project marks a significant milestone in boosting domestic production capacity rather than relying on imports. The project will enable the manufacture of large-sized and complex aluminium alloy components required for defence systems, missile programs, space research, the aviation industry, railways, and other strategic sectors. He expressed confidence that this would reduce reliance on imports for critical aluminium components and strengthen the domestic supply chain.
Modern fighter aircraft, missiles, and space programs require metals that are lightweight, strong, and capable of withstanding extremely adverse conditions. Such metals are produced through specialized processes. Noting that this project would prove crucial for the defense manufacturing sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that indigenously developed defense equipment played a vital role in the success of 'Operation Sindoor'. He remarked that the true strength of massive systems often lies within thousands of components, both large and small. He added that the aluminum extrusion press would accelerate the journey towards self-reliance in this sector.
While reviewing the country's progress in defense manufacturing, Rajnath Singh noted that domestic defense production stood at approximately ?46,000 crore in 2014 and has reached a record ?1.78 lakh crore in the 2025-26 financial year. Defense exports have also surged from ?1,000 crore in 2014 to ?38,424 crore. The Defence Minister expressed confidence that the targets set for the next two to three years—?3 lakh crore in defense production and ?50,000 crore in defense exports—would be achieved ahead of schedule.
Nagpur to Become a Key Hub for Defense Manufacturing – Devendra Fadnavis
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that this project represents a significant step towards a self-reliant and developed India. India's growing prowess in the defense sector is gaining global recognition, and the country is emerging as a global exporter of defense products thanks to the Central Government's policies. This state-of-the-art project will help Nagpur and the Vidarbha region develop into a major hub for defense manufacturing. The Chief Minister emphasized that the Vidarbha region—and Nagpur in particular—is evolving into a vital component of the nation's 'defense manufacturing ecosystem'.
The country has taken a decisive step towards self-reliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given us the twin mantras of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) and 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). Achieving a developed India requires the realization of a self-reliant India; consequently, the country has begun moving rapidly towards self-reliance, Chief Minister Fadnavis said. Today, the entire world is amazed by our country's progress. India has made significant strides in the defense sector within a remarkably short period, emerging as a key manufacturer in the field. The world witnessed the nation's strategic capabilities, particularly during 'Operation Sindoor'. Chief Minister Shri Fadnavis stated that this is a 'New India'—one that stands tall with full capability and self-reliance.
Vijay Kumar Iyer, CMD of Yantra India Limited, delivered the introductory address. A video presentation detailing the aluminum extrusion press was screened during the event. Ajaykumar Yerpude, Executive Director of the Ordnance Factory, Ambajhari, proposed the vote of thanks.