India accelerating its push to become a major exporter of military equipment: Sanjay Seth

Successful launch of ‘Tavasya’,

India is extremely determined to move from being a major arms importer to a net exporter of military equipment, stated Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth at a recent event.

In less than a decade, India not only indigenised the manufacturing of a large number of defence items but also turned into an arms exporter. A striking feature of this success story is that defence public sector units (DPSUs) and private-sector companies have both played a great role in this story.

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, speaking at the launch of the indigenous stealth frigate ‘Tavasya’ in Goa, declared, “Our aim, in the coming years, is not to import weapons but to export them.” He added, “Earlier we were known for being importers... but today, this country is not a country that begs, it is a country that looks another country in the eye and talks,” according to a report in The Economic Times.

'Tavasya', the second frigate of Project 11356 (Yard 1259) of the Indian Navy, was launched on Saturday in Goa in the presence of Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.

The launch marked a significant advancement in India's self-reliance in warship construction, reinforcing the country's vision of `Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defence manufacturing. The ship was ceremonially launched by Neeta Seth at Goa Shipyard Limited, Vasco, in the presence of Sanjay Seth who was the chief guest.

The event was attended by senior dignitaries including Vice Admiral S J Singh, Flag Officer in command of Western Naval Command; Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition; and other Indian Navy officials.

Union minister Seth commended Goa Shipyard Limited's extraordinary achievement in launching two complex, weapon-intensive frigates within just eight months, despite geopolitical challenges affecting global supply chains.

Highlighting the Navy's growing self-reliance, he said the launch is a defining moment in India's Naval history, showcasing the country's technological capabilities and unwavering commitment to self-reliance.