New Delhi: India’s Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh today called for the nation to become self-reliant and a “net exporter of technology”.

Addressing the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists on National Technology Day, being observed to mark India’s nuclear tests in 1998 at Pokhran, Rajasthan, through video conference, Singh said, “in the last five years, we have set new targets, and worked hard to formulate the right policy framework to achieve them. I am sure that you can see this change in every field of defence research, development and manufacture.”

He added, “we always have to keep in mind that there is no alternative to indigenous technology and indigenous manufacture. We will be truly self-reliant only when India succeeds in becoming a net exporter instead of a net importer of technology.”

While calling upon the country’s pool of experts to contribute to make India a technological powerhouse, Rajnath Singh said the government and people fully support their future endeavours in this direction.

The minister said defence organisations are tackling the challenges posed by COVID-19 using state-of-the-art technology. India’s defence forces and R&D efforts have contributed significantly in finding solutions to the challenges posed by this invisible enemy.

“DRDO has developed more than 50 products in the last 3-4 months, like bio suit, sanitiser dispenser, PPE kits, through its continuous efforts to contribute to the fight against COVID-19. The indomitable spirit of our defence industry has increased the opportunity for mass production of these high quality products in record time.”

The minister said, “this day is dedicated to the knowledge, talent and perseverance of our Indian scientists, especially those who have made their valuable contribution in finding solutions to the complex national security challenges of the country.”

He further said, “National Technology Day is an opportunity to take stock of our technological advancements and if we are to emerge as a technological force then we should know what to do. Such introspection is necessary because science and technology have become the most important drivers of a nation’s economy.”

The day reminded us of the continuous effort to achieve self-reliance in important technologies, encourage innovations and maintain technology flow for product realisation, he added.