India’s defence production increased by 174 percent during Modi Govt: Dr Jitendra

‘Udhampur Airport to become functional in coming months’

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, June 12: Asserting that India touched numerous milestones during last 12 years of the Narendra Modi Government, Union Minister in PMO with Independent Charge of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Ministries, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that for the first time in the history of country India's defence production has increased by 174 percent since 2014 reaching nearly to Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

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Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a public outreach programme here today, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Defence exports have touched to Rs 23,000 crore while earlier India was importing defence products.

This clearly shows that country touched heights in several fields during last 12 years of Modi Government and increasing the defense production and export of defence equipments is a big milestone for India.

He said the private sector also got a complete boost during Modi Government and Rs 15 thousand crore defence products were exported by private sector also. This all has been possible with the visionary and focused leadership of PM Narendra Modi, he added.

He said India now exports defence equipments to over 100 countries world- wide with United States, France, America, the Philippines and Myanmar emerging as the primary buyers.

He said Udhampur this year got the PM Excellence Award for emulating example of Bhaderwah to start Lavender cultivation in Lathi under the guidance of former Deputy Commissioner, Saloni Rai. Besides, the marketing of Udhampur's Kaladi will be made though International food chains who are preparing recipes without compromising the taste and nutrition.

Later addressing the programme, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Civil Airport at Udhampur will become functional in coming months. The tender for the construction of the airport terminal was floated nearly three weeks ago and, upon completion of the requisite formalities, the work order can be issued accordingly.

The Minister said that the airport is initially planned to facilitate ATR aircraft operations, which will substantially improve regional air connectivity and provide a major boost to tourism, trade, investment and employment generation.

Dr. Jitendra Singh added that discussions are underway with the Jammu & Kashmir Government regarding the transfer of additional land to enable expansion of the project into a larger and more comprehensive airport facility on the lines of the Jammu Airport.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the last 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi have transformed the development landscape of J&K, with Udhampur emerging as a major beneficiary of infrastructure expansion, improved connectivity, public welfare initiatives and economic empowerment.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that one of the most far-reaching achievements of the Modi Government has been the successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which revolutionised financial inclusion in the country. He noted that crores of previously unbanked citizens, particularly women, rural residents and economically weaker sections, were brought into the formal banking system, enabling direct transfer of benefits and ensuring transparency in welfare delivery.

Highlighting the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Minister said that the campaign evolved into a nationwide people's movement and transformed sanitation standards across urban and rural India. Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the scheme brought dignity, convenience and improved health outcomes to crores of women by providing LPG connections to poor households.

Highlighting India's growing strategic and economic strength, the Minister said that the defence sector has emerged as a major success story of the Modi Government. He noted that defence exports, which were negligible a decade ago, have registered unprecedented growth and crossed record levels, reflecting India's emergence as a trusted global defence manufacturing hub.

Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that the development of Udhampur reflects the larger story of a growing India where aspirations have been matched with opportunities and governance has reached the last mile. "The last 12 years have seen decisive leadership, transparent governance and inclusive development. From world-class infrastructure and improved connectivity to welfare schemes and economic empowerment, every section of society has benefited from the policies of the Modi Government," said Dr Jitendra Singh.

The Union Minister said that one of the most visible symbols of the infrastructure revolution in J&K is the landmark Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel on the Chenani-Nashri stretch, which has substantially reduced travel time and enhanced all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir. He further informed that approval has now been granted for the construction of an additional twin-tube tunnel parallel to the existing structure, which will further improve traffic management, safety and highway capacity on this vital national corridor.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the growing national recognition of Udhampur's traditional dairy product, Kaladi, which received Geographical Indication (GI) status. He said the Government is now facilitating scientific upscaling, value addition and improved shelf-life of Kaladi under the One District One Product initiative, enabling local producers to access national and international markets while preserving its traditional identity.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the establishment of the Biotech Industrial Park at Ghati, Kathua, has positioned Jammu & Kashmir on India's biotechnology map and opened new avenues for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment in cutting-edge sectors. He said the initiative reflects the Government's commitment to promoting knowledge-driven industries in the region.

Referring to connectivity projects, the Minister said that the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and other major road corridors are set to significantly reduce travel time, improve logistics and accelerate economic activity across Jammu & Kashmir. He said enhanced connectivity is a key driver of development and investment.