Indigenous 'Aero Engines' Are Need Of Hour: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has made a strong case for developing aero-engines in India to achieve self-reliance, stating that the technology for developing this is urgently needed and has urged research and development authorities to focus on the project.

Speaking at an Aero India event, Singh said that the defence ministry has been working on the programme without going into specifics. “You've demonstrated your sharpness with Agni and Akash's success. There is no reason why you cannot succeed in the manufacturing of aero systems,” the minister added.

According to him, the government has been working on mission mode to develop a variety of aero-engines in the country, ranging from low-power Kaveri derivative power plants for drones to high-thrust fighter jet engines. For the latter, talks have been held with potential partners in the United Kingdom, France and the United States.

The minister positioned India as a dependable partner who does not preach or impose conditions on other countries, and he advocated for the development of co-development and co-production models with friendly foreign nations.

Singh, who hosted 27 countries' defence and deputy defence ministers at a conclave during the show, stated that India is offering equal partnerships to friendly countries. “We want to build with you, launch with you, create with you and develop with you. We want to build symbiotic relationships in which we can learn from one another, grow together, and create a win-win situation for everyone,” he said.

In response to nations that link arms supplies and partnerships to politics and self-interest, the minister stated that India views all nations as equal partners. 

“We do not believe in imposing external or supranational solutions to a country's internal problems. We do not believe in sermons or one-size-fits-all solutions that disregard the national values and constraints of the countries needing assistance. Rather, we support our partner countries' capacity building so that they can chart their own course,” he said.

The minister also met with several potential partners, including Egypt, Armenia, Italy and the United Kingdom.