India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlights defence self‑reliance and rapid economic growth

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that India’s defence production is steadily increasing and most equipment is now manufactured indigenously. He noted that Lucknow is emerging as a key hub for defence research, citing projects such as the BrahMos missile and expanded DRDO laboratories, and mentioned related infrastructure developments like new airports and the Lucknow‑Kanpur Expressway.

Singh also asserted that India remains the world’s fastest‑growing major economy, reporting a 7.7% GDP expansion in FY 2025‑26 and an accelerated 7.8% growth in the fourth quarter. He linked this performance to reforms, innovation and the work of 140 crore Indians, describing the growth as a sign of resilience amid global uncertainty.