In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated the newly constructed DPSU Bhawan at Naoroji Nagar in New Delhi and chaired a comprehensive review meeting with all 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
During the event, four DPSUs – Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), India Optel Limited (IOL), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) – were officially felicitated for attaining Miniratna (Category-I) status. The recognition, according to the Defence Ministry, reflects the improved financial performance, operational efficiency, and enhanced autonomy of these enterprises in driving India’s defence self-reliance goals.
Rajnath Singh lauded the DPSUs for their vital role in strengthening indigenous capabilities, noting that their combined contribution to India’s defence production has now reached over 71%, with the total value for FY 2024–25 standing at ₹1.51 lakh crore. Defence exports also touched ₹6,695 crore, signalling growing international trust in India’s defence industry.
The inauguration of the DPSU Bhawan marked the beginning of a new collaborative phase for state-owned defence manufacturers. The facility will function as an integrated coordination hub for all DPSUs and features modern workspaces, innovation rooms, and an exhibition area. Rajnath Singh described the Bhawan as a “symbol of collective progress,” echoing the Sanskrit motto ‘Sangachhadhwam Samvadadhwam’ – meaning “Move together, dialogue together.”
In line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, the Defence Minister also launched several initiatives aimed at sustainable manufacturing and research innovation. Among them was the unveiling of SWAYAM – Sustainable and Green Defence Manufacturing, which promotes renewable energy use and carbon footprint reduction across DPSUs.
Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the event to strengthen self-reliance in raw materials and technology. A key agreement involved Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Yantra India Limited (YIL), for establishing a 10,000-tonne forging press facility to reduce dependence on imported aluminium alloys. Another MoU announced the creation of a “Metal Bank” at Midhani, ensuring uninterrupted supply of critical raw materials for defence manufacturing.
Recognising leadership in sustainability, Rajnath Singh commended India Optel Limited (IOL) for achieving 100% green energy usage, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for becoming the first Navratna PSU to reach RE100 status, making its operations fully powered by renewable energy.
The Defence Minister urged all DPSUs to focus on expanding exports, enhancing product quality, accelerating indigenisation of key technologies, and investing in robust R&D. He directed officials to prepare measurable roadmaps for innovation and self-reliance ahead of the next review.
This development not only empowers DPSUs with greater autonomy but also positions India closer to becoming a global hub for sustainable, self-reliant defence manufacturing – a vision central to the country’s long-term strategic and economic goals.
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