Defence Minister Invites US Companies To Invest & Develop Technology In India

Defence Minster Rajnath Singh invited US companies to set up manufacturing units in India and develop technology collaborations with Indian industries to create a global supply chain free from vulnerabilities and uncertainties.

Singh said, US companies can set up manufacturing facilities, individually or in partnership with Indian companies, through a joint venture or technology agreement to capitalise on the ‘Make in India’ opportunity. “The firms will find India to be an attractive investment destination for defence manufacturing,” he added.

He was addressing a seminar organised by the US-India Business Council (UIBC) and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) as part of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar on Thursday.

Minister said that the Indian defence industry has been witnessing transformative changes through progressive reforms and it has created a conducive environment for the growth of the Indian Industry through transparency, predictability and institutionalisation. The idea is ‘Make in India, Make for the World’.

“The main objective is to fulfil the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and create long-term linkages to the global supply chains to meet global demands. Through these linkages, India looks forward to ensuring uninterrupted and reliable access to defence equipment and other strategic materials for the nation and our partners, including the US. As India’s defence base grows, private sector companies from the US can explore the vast potential in India,” he said.

He appreciated that India is working with the US to strengthen commercial and strategic relationships and attract US investment to create a high-technology defence production ecosystem in India and said that collaboration with US companies would be an important strategic force multiplier, apart from being wealth and job creators.

“Developing new avenues to work together at the industrial, scientific and academic levels will be key to ensuring that India-US defence ties remain dynamic,” he concluded.