Assam is on the verge of becoming a crucial hub for India’s defence manufacturing sector, as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced during a press conference on Friday. The state is in “advanced consideration” for establishing the nation’s third defence corridor, following Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This initiative is set to transform Assam into a center for producing aircraft, helicopters, missiles, and other weapon systems.
Advanced Consideration and Positive Outlook
CM Sarma revealed that the Union Defence Minister is highly supportive of Assam’s bid for the defence corridor. “The Defence Minister is very positive that Assam should have a defence corridor. It is being now accepted, for Tamil Nadu and UP, they have notified. Assam’s case is in advanced consideration,” stated Sarma confidently.
Strategic Hub for Defence Manufacturing
The Chief Minister emphasized that Assam’s defence corridor would play a pivotal role in manufacturing various defence items. “We have pushed it to a large extent and with a defence corridor in Assam along with the semiconductor facility, our ecosystem will become very good,” he explained. This development is expected to attract both public and private sector investments, including contributions from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Employment Generation and Economic Boost
Highlighting the economic benefits, Sarma pointed out that establishing a defence industry in Assam would generate significant employment opportunities. “We want the defence industry to come here and produce all the defence items because that is employment generative. So helicopter repairs and aircraft repairs should happen here. AK-47s and machine guns should be manufactured here,” he said.
Self-Reliance in Defence Production
The proposed defence corridor aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to reduce reliance on imports and boost domestic production of defence equipment. This strategic route is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the nation’s defence forces by fostering self-reliance in defence production. It also aims to bolster India’s position in the global defence market and promote domestic manufacturing capabilities.
A Sensitive Yet Crucial Industry
Sarma acknowledged the sensitive nature of the defence industry but stressed its importance. “So, all the defence items should be produced in Assam. It is like any other industry, but because it is the defence industry, it is a bit sensitive,” he concluded.
Conclusion
The establishment of a defence corridor in Assam marks a significant step towards enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence production. With strong support from the Union Defence Minister and the proactive push from the state government, Assam is poised to become a major player in the defence manufacturing sector. This initiative not only promises to boost the local economy but also reinforces India’s strategic capabilities on the global stage.
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