Hazira, Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited an impressive defence exhibition at Hazira in Gujarat, spotlighting India’s transformative progress in indigenous defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. The visit underscored the nation’s emergence as a rising global defence player, shifting steadily from a major importer to a credible exporter of military platforms and technologies.
During the tour of facilities including Larsen & Toubro’s Armoured Systems Complex and AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex, the Prime Minister inspected cutting-edge systems such as the Zorawar Light Tank, designed for high-altitude and rapid deployment operations, and the K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer. These platforms exemplify the fusion of Indian innovation with advanced manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing the country’s push for self-sufficiency in critical defence technologies.
The exhibition highlighted a broad spectrum of indigenous achievements, from artillery systems and armoured vehicles to components supporting green hydrogen and nuclear applications, reflecting the maturing ecosystem of public-private partnerships in the sector.
India’s defence exports have recorded extraordinary growth. In FY 2013-14, exports stood at a modest ₹686 crore. By FY 2024-25, they had surged to ₹23,622 crore, marking over a 34-fold increase. Early indications for FY 2025-26 point to further acceleration, crossing ₹38,000 crore. This exponential rise has seen India export to over 100 countries, with major buyers including the United States, Armenia, and France.
Defence experts view this trajectory as emblematic of India’s growing strategic influence. Enhanced policy reforms, eased export procedures, and focused indigenisation have empowered both defence public sector undertakings and private industry. The government has set an ambitious target of ₹50,000 crore in annual defence exports by 2029-30.
PM Modi’s engagement at Hazira sends a strong message of confidence in India’s defence industry. As geopolitical complexities reshape global supply chains, India’s robust manufacturing base and export momentum are positioning the country not only as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific and beyond but also as a reliable partner in defence technology cooperation. This visit reinforces the narrative of a rising India, leveraging ‘Atmanirbharta’ to bolster both national security and economic prowess on the world stage.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
