New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar 'Swavlamban' at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. "Aatmanirbharta' in defence is very crucial for the India of 21st century... Creating 75 indigenous techs for Navy by Aug 15 next year is the first step; goal should be to take India's defence to unprecedented heights by the time we celebrate 100yrs of independence," said PM Modi during the event.
"We developed the habit of being dependent on foreign countries for even the simplest products. Like drug addicts, we were addicted to the products imported from abroad," PM added.
The exercise aimed to increase the use of indigenous technologies in the Indian Navy. The NIIO, in collaboration with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), plans to induct at least 75 innovative indigenous technology and products into the Indian Navy as part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.'
Also Read: Eknath Shinde Elected As Chief Leader Of Shiv Sena, Announces New National Executive Committee
Meanwhile, while addressing the seminar Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "We've achieved self-reliance in many areas & due to which, a new image of India has emerged in the world. Under 'AatmaNirbhar Abhiyaan', Navy spent over 64% of its capital budget for domestic procurement in last financial year &this year it'll increase up to 70%."
The conference intended to involve Indian business and academics in attaining self-reliance in the defence sector.
The two-day conference will bring together professionals from business, academics, services, and government on a shared platform to brainstorm and make suggestions for the defence sector.
There will be sessions on innovation, indigenisation, weapons, and aircraft.
The second day of the conference will feature outreach to the Indian Ocean Region, in keeping with the government's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) strategy, according to the announcement.