Udhampur, 13 June (H.S.): 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.
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.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
