Enumerating the results achieved due to the Government’s consistent push towards self-reliance, Raksha Mantri stated that the domestic defence production, which was only Rs 46,425 crore in 2014, has grown to a record approx. Rs 1.51 lakh crore today. He added that over Rs 33,000 crore of this contribution comes from the private sector, indicating that private industries

The Sides noted with satisfaction the resilience of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and the convergent and complementary approaches of their foreign policy priorities, and reaffirmed their commitment for further strengthening it. They stressed that India and Russia as major powers will continue to strive for global peace and stability in a multipolar world as well as in a multipolar Asia.

Raksha Mantri also appreciated the DMSRDE for carrying out a large number of transfer of technologies in the last two years fulfilling the Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision of the Government. He called for exploring export potential of developed defence products/technologies and said MSME & industries interactions in DTTC, Lucknow to be enhanced to meet the requirements

DefConnect 2024 represents a significant milestone in the country’s defence innovation landscape, bringing together key stakeholders including the Armed Forces, defence industry leaders, start-ups, academia, and policymakers. The event aims to facilitate meaningful engagements, showcase cutting-edge technologies and is poised to be a transformative platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the defence sector. The event will attract a large number of innovators and investors from India’s leading industries in the defence sector.

Several Service athletes had made the nation proud in the Games, with the Raksha Mantri felicitating them on their return and commending them for their outstanding performance. He had also approved cash rewards to 45 medal winners, including seven Para athletes. These 45 athletes won 09 Gold, 18 Silver and 17 Bronze medals in the Asian Games and 01 Gold, 04 Silver and 02 Bronze medals in Asian Para Games.

The ceremony will begin with the massed band’s ‘Shankhnaad’ tune which will be followed by the enthralling tunes such as ‘Veer Bharat’, ‘Sangam Dur’, ‘Deshon ka Sartaj Bharat’, ‘Bhagirathi’, and ‘Arjuna’ by Pipes and Drums band. The CAPF bands will play ‘Bharat Ke Jawan’ and ‘Vijay Bharat’ among others.

The nation remembers with gratitude the selfless sacrifice made by our armed forces during the 1971 war. On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to the bravehearts who displayed unparalleled courage and achieved historic victory.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd at the Sai Stadium, the Raksha Mantri complimented the efforts of the Armed Forces and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) for creating a positive environment in Kokrajhar which resulted in the event being organised in the city for the first time.

The Chief Minister also urged the Union Minister for relocation of Ammunition Depot Powari. He said that two alternate sites have been identified for the same and requested for appropriate action. He added that the state government was committed to provide the land.

The Raksha Mantri interacted with the soldiers and commended their valour and zeal while operating in challenging situations. He asserted that the Nation feels secure because of the unmatched courage, commitment and constant vigil of the soldiers of the Indian Army in difficult areas.