Ira Singh 
Gujarat has the potential to emerge as one of India’s leading defence manufacturing centres, driven by its robust industrial base, skilled manpower, entrepreneurial ecosystem and growing technological capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.Addressing the concluding session of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Vadodara, Singh underlined the close relationship between economic development and national security, stating that a strong industrial ecosystem is essential for building a self-reliant defence sector.He said India’s future growth story would not only be shaped by traditional industries but also by strategic sectors such as defence manufacturing, advanced technology and innovation. According to him, defence production has a wider economic impact by supporting infrastructure, supply chains, research capabilities and employment generation.Highlighting Gujarat’s strengths, Singh said the state has all the major elements required to support a complete defence manufacturing ecosystem. He pointed to the state’s established industries, technical expertise and investment-friendly environment as key advantages that can help Gujarat play a larger role in India’s defence transformation.
Vadodara, Gujarat: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, “Gujarat has a robust industrial base. I know that Gujarat has a strong industrial foundation, a skilled workforce, and an entrepreneurial spirit that can play a very important role in the journey of self-reliance...” pic.twitter.com/1ZDPG75d0i
— IANS (@ians_india) June 30, 2026
“Gujarat’s manufacturing capabilities, skilled workforce and innovation-driven approach can significantly contribute to India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defence,” Singh said, adding that the state can become an important destination for aerospace, defence technology and advanced manufacturing projects.Singh highlighted the development of India’s first private-sector military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara under the Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus partnership for the C-295 aircraft programme as a landmark achievement. He also mentioned Gujarat’s role in producing the K-9 Vajra artillery system, describing it as a major step towards strengthening India’s defence capabilities.Focusing on emerging technologies, Singh said semiconductors would become a crucial pillar of both economic growth and future security systems. He expressed confidence that semiconductor projects in Gujarat’s Dholera Special Investment Region and Sanand would enhance India’s technological independence.He noted that Gujarat’s diverse industrial sectors could support multiple areas of defence development. The state’s chemical and petrochemical industries can contribute to advanced materials and specialised defence applications, while electronics and engineering sectors can support sensors, communication systems and aerospace technologies. Its coastal infrastructure and maritime capabilities also provide opportunities for strengthening naval and shipbuilding activities.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the fourth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference received investment proposals worth around ₹3.34 lakh crore through nearly 3,700 MoUs, with the potential to generate close to 1.97 lakh employment opportunities.Patel said the proposed investments would further accelerate Gujarat’s economic growth by expanding industrial activity, improving employment prospects and contributing to higher state income levels. He described the conference as a reflection of the vision of Narendra Modi for balanced development and greater participation of regions in India’s growth journey.
Following the visionary roadmap of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, set by Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Central Gujarat has reached a grand conclusion.
— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) June 30, 2026
It was a privilege to have the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Union Defence Minister… pic.twitter.com/d9IvPMLm9Y
Recalling India’s progress in defence manufacturing over the past decade, Singh said the country has moved from heavy dependence on imports towards strengthening domestic production and expanding defence exports.He highlighted that defence manufacturing output has grown significantly from around Rs46,000 crore in 2014 to nearly Rs1.78 lakh crore, while defence exports have also witnessed substantial growth during the same period.Singh said India’s self-reliance approach in defence is aimed at building confidence, encouraging innovation and enabling the country to compete globally rather than remaining dependent on external sources.
Calling upon industries and investors to participate in India’s defence growth journey, the minister said regional capabilities must be converted into national strengths through innovation, collaboration and advanced manufacturing. He added that Gujarat’s growing industrial ecosystem can become a major contributor to India’s ambition of building a globally competitive defence manufacturing sector.
(State Correspondent)
