NPN

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced at a program on Saturday that India will soon build a powerful indigenous jet engine. He said that preparations for this ambitious project are almost complete and soon its work will be in front of everyone. The Defense Minister said that in today's era, amid challenges like terrorism, regional conflict and trade war, India's army cannot depend on foreign supplies. 'India does not want enmity with anyone' Rajnath Singh said, 'Self-reliance is necessary to protect our strategic autonomy. India neither wants enmity with anyone nor will it compromise its interests. Our first goal is the welfare of our people, farmers and small businessmen.' Without naming any country, he said that many developed countries are adopting protectionist policies, due to which the situation of trade and tariff war is getting serious. Rajnath Singh stressed that the more pressure the world puts, the stronger India will emerge. Rajnath mentioned 'Sudarshan Chakra' The Defense Minister mentioned a new air defense system called 'Sudarshan Chakra', which will provide complete security to all the important buildings and places of the country in the next 10 years. This system will be equipped with both defensive and offensive power, which can deal with any threat from the enemy. Singh said that the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully tested an indigenous air defense system on August 23, which can hit 3 targets simultaneously. Giving the example of 'Operation Sindoor', Rajnath Singh said that it is a great example of India's growing indigenous defense capabilities. He said, 'India's victory and Pakistan's defeat in this operation is not just a story of a few days. Behind this is years of strategic preparation and trust on indigenous equipment.' Defense sector has become the new strength of the economy Rajnath Singh said that the defense sector is now not only the basis of the country's security, but it has also become a major means of strengthening the economy. He said, 'Today the defense sector is not limited to just protecting the borders or the safety of the people. It has become a sector responsible for the defence and security of our entire economy.' He also said that India is no longer an importer of defence equipment, but an exporter. While India's defence exports were less than Rs 700 crore in 2014, it has increased to around Rs 24,000 crore in 2025. He said, 'This success is not only of government companies, but the private sector, startups and entrepreneurs also have a big contribution.' 'External dependence in defence sector is no longer an option' The Defence Minister said that defence production in the country has crossed Rs 1.5 lakh crore, in which 25 per cent is of the private sector. He said, 'The defence sector is no longer just an expenditure, but defence economics. It is the engine of employment, innovation and industrial development.' Rajnath Singh stressed that in the changing global situation, external dependence in the defence sector is no longer an option. He said, 'Self-reliance is necessary for both our economy and security. When a young, energetic and technologically capable country moves towards self-reliance, the whole world stops and respects it.