Rajnath Singh: On May 29, Rajnath Singh, India’s Defense Minister, praised the “Made-in-India” initiative for its significant role in the Indian Army’s performance during Operation Sindoor. He emphasized that the people living in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) are Indian citizens and will eventually reintegrate into India’s mainstream society.
During his address at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Annual Business Summit in New Delhi, Singh highlighted the importance of the AMCA programme. He said, “Make-in-India is a critical component of our national security, and it played a key role in India’s successful action against terrorism during Operation Sindoor.” Singh’s remarks underscored how domestic innovation and self-reliance have strengthened India’s defense capabilities, ensuring that the country is better equipped to handle challenges like terrorism.
AMCA Programme:
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Singh described the Execution Model for the AMCA programme, which aims to manufacture fifth-generation fighter aircraft in India, as a bold and decisive step that will elevate the local aerospace sector to new heights. The Defence Minister further explained, “Under the AMCA project, we plan to develop five prototypes, followed by series production. This marks a key milestone in the history of the Make-in-India programme.”
Made in India in Operation Sindoor:
Rajnath Singh emphasized the success of the Made-in-India initiative during Operation Sindoor. He stated that, had the country not strengthened its domestic defense capabilities, the Indian Armed Forces would not have been able to effectively combat terrorism in Pakistan and PoK.
He also stated that the Indian Army destroyed terrorist hideouts and military bases. In what is now known as Operation Sindoor, India carried out precise attacks on at least nine terror facilities in Pakistan on May 7, just two weeks after the Pahalgam terror incident. Following the operation, India and Pakistan engaged in four days of armed combat. Eventually, on May 10, both countries reached an agreement to cease military operations.