Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Advanced Aluminum Extrusion Press in Nagpur
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a cutting-edge aluminum extrusion press in Nagpur, symbolizing India's shift towards self-reliance in defense production. He highlighted the importance of domestic manufacturing in meeting national needs and discussed the significant growth in India's defense sector since 2014. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also emphasized India's rising global stature and strategic capabilities. This event marks a pivotal moment in India's journey towards becoming a self-sufficient defense producer.
| Jun 19, 2026, 16:48 IST
Inauguration of Cutting-Edge Facility
On Friday, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh performed the 'Bhoomi Pujan' for a state-of-the-art 10,000-ton aluminum extrusion press at the Yanthra India Limited (YIL) facility in Nagpur. He described this initiative as a symbol of India's transformative vision towards self-reliance. While addressing the attendees, Singh emphasized that this project illustrates India's transition from being an importer to a domestic manufacturer for essential infrastructure.
Significance of Domestic Production
Singh remarked that this represents our transformative mindset. Needs that once required looking abroad are now increasingly being met by our own citizens. He highlighted the strategic importance of indigenization, especially in light of global logistics vulnerabilities during international conflicts.
Impact of War on Supply Chains
He stated, "When wars break out, the entire supply chain is affected. Therefore, during such times, every nation desires that all essential security-related items are produced domestically." Referring to the rapid growth in India's defense sector, Singh noted that since 2014, there has been a remarkable increase in domestic defense production and exports. He shared that domestic defense production was merely ₹46,000 crores in 2014, but projections for the fiscal year 2025-26 indicate it has surged to over ₹1,78,000 crores. Additionally, he mentioned that India's defense exports, which were around ₹1,000 crores in 2014, have now reached approximately ₹40,000 crores, showcasing the skills of Indian artisans.
Maharashtra's Deputy CM Highlights India's Global Standing
During the ceremony, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized India's growing global stature and strategic strength, stating that the world now recognizes India as a force that cannot be underestimated. He underscored the country's journey towards complete self-reliance while referencing recent strategic achievements as evidence of India's progress. Fadnavis recalled the 'Operation Sindoor' as a moment when the world witnessed India's advancement and strategic capabilities, asserting that the current leadership has fundamentally transformed the nation's security perspective.