India need to be self-reliant, net exporter of technology: Defence minister

Union defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday stressed on the necessity for India to become self-reliant and ‘net exporter of technology’. He said this while addressing the scientists of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on the occasion of National Technology Day (NTD) in New Delhi through video conference. Rajnath Singh said, “In the last five years, we've set new targets, and worked hard to formulate the proper policy framework to realize them.” “I am sure that you simply can see this alteration in every field of defence research, development and manufacture,” he added. “We always need to confine mind that there's no alternative to indigenous technology and indigenous manufacture. we'll be truly self-reliant only India succeeds in becoming a net exporter rather than a net importer of technology,” he also said. While calling upon the country’s pool of experts to contribute to form India a technological powerhouse, Rajnath Singh said the govt and other people fully support their future endeavours during this direction. Singh said defence organizations are tackling the challenges posed by COVID-19 using state-of-the-art technology. India’s defence forces and research and development efforts have contributed significantly find solutions to the challenges posed by this invisible enemy. He added, “DRDO has developed quite 50 products within the last three-four months, like bio suit, sanitizer dispenser, PPE kits, etc through its continuous efforts to contribute to the fight against COVID-19.” “The indomitable spirit of our defence industry has increased the chance for production of those top quality products in record time,” he added. The NTD is observed on May 11 commemorating the nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran in 1998 that symbolized successful achievements of home grown technologies and stressed the necessity for self-reliance in critical areas. Speaking on significance of the occasion, the defence minister said, “This day is devoted to the knowledge, talent and perseverance of our Indian scientists, especially those that have made their valuable contribution find solutions to the complex national security challenges of the country”. He further said, “National Technology Day is a chance to require stock of our technological advancements and if we are to emerge as a technological force then we should always know what to try to to . Such introspection is important because science and technology became the foremost important drivers of a nation’s economy.” The day reminds us of the continual effort to realize self-reliance in important technologies, encourage innovations and maintain technology flow for product realisation, he added.