Noida, September 1: At the MSME Awards ceremony organized by the Indian Industry Association, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the strong foundation of a developed India. He stated that the role of MSMEs will become increasingly crucial in enhancing the country’s economic and strategic strength in the coming years.
He congratulated the award-winning entrepreneurs and urged them not to limit themselves to the domestic market but to take Indian products to the global stage.
Rajnath Singh praised the initiative to start the event with a commitment to water conservation, highlighting the industry’s responsibility towards society and nature. He noted that around 16,000 MSMEs are linked with India’s defense public sector undertakings (DPSUs), indicating that the defense manufacturing sector can offer significant opportunities for small and medium enterprises.
He appealed to entrepreneurs not to view the defense sector merely as a market for government procurement. According to him, there are vast future prospects in areas such as drones, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, advanced electronics, sensors, autonomous systems, advanced materials, space, and quantum technology.
In today’s competitive global environment, he stressed that producing high-quality products is not enough. Industries must also focus on making their products better, more cost-effective, and equipped with new technologies. Additionally, they need to ensure their products are competitive in the global market.
The Defense Minister urged MSMEs to invest a portion of their turnover in research and development and technological advancement. He highlighted the need for increased partnerships with universities, IITs, research institutions, DRDO laboratories, startups, and large industrial units. He reassured that the private sector should not hesitate to reach out to DRDO when in need of defense technology. Industry representatives can also contact him in case of any issues.
Rajnath Singh identified five key areas for MSME development: quality, skill development, technological advancement, market access, and finance. He stated that the identity of Indian MSMEs in the global market will be based on quality and reliability. In the defense sector, there can be no compromise on quality.
He emphasized adopting the goals of ‘Zero Defect’ and ‘Zero Compromise on Quality.’ He noted that a skilled workforce is essential for modern industries. MSMEs must focus on continuously upskilling their employees while aligning youth skills with industry needs. He also pointed out the necessity of making digital manufacturing, automation, AI, and advanced production technology accessible and affordable for MSMEs.
He remarked that the world is rapidly changing, and there is a search for reliable manufacturing partners within the global supply chain, presenting a significant opportunity for India. India has taken important steps towards free trade agreements with several key global partners, which will open new export opportunities for Indian MSMEs and industries.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage government credit guarantees, GST rationalization, and other schemes to promote Indian products worldwide. He urged MSMEs not to limit themselves to being domestic suppliers but to aspire to become global entrepreneurs, technology developers, system suppliers, and exporters.
Regarding the MSME awards, the Defense Minister stated that these honors are not just a recognition of achievements but also a message to encourage excellence, innovation, and hard work. He congratulated all award winners, especially women entrepreneurs.
He reminded the awardees that this honor marks not the end of their journey but the beginning of a new goal. He urged entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and strive for recognition in the global market. He expressed hope that next time, award winners would emerge not just as leaders in the domestic market but as competitors on the global stage.
Rajnath Singh highlighted the potential of the MSME sector in North India, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Haryana, where there is a strong base in manufacturing, engineering, automobiles, electronics, defense, textiles, food processing, and the service sector.
He mentioned that the defense industrial corridor in Uttar Pradesh has brought new opportunities for defense manufacturing. He also noted plans to establish a defense-related laboratory in Lucknow with an investment of around ₹2,000 crores. According to him, Uttar Pradesh is not just a large market but is progressing towards becoming a crucial hub in India’s manufacturing and defense ecosystem.
The Defense Minister stressed the need to transform the youth of the country from job seekers to job creators. An entrepreneur not only builds their future but also strengthens the future of many families. Therefore, entrepreneurship is an effective means of nation-building.
He stated that a developed India is not just the government’s goal but a collective aspiration of the entire nation. The government, industries, MSMEs, startups, the education sector, and civil society must work together. He concluded that the progress of an MSME is, in fact, the progress of India.
Rajnath Singh asserted that India must not only be a country that manufactures products but also one that creates technology and intellectual property. He called on the industry, youth, and entrepreneurs to collaborate towards building a developed, prosperous, secure, and empowered India by 2047.
Leave a Comment