Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Operation Sindoor as a “befitting reply” to the terrorist attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the BEML Rail Hub for Manufacturing (BRAHMA) in Umariya, Singh said the mission sent a clear signal that India will not tolerate attacks on its sovereignty.
“We do not provoke anyone, but those who provoke us will not be spared,” Singh asserted.
He credited the success of Operation Sindoor to the effective use of indigenous defence equipment, highlighting that the Armed Forces executed the mission with precision and confidence.
Self-Reliance in Defence Under PM Modi’s Leadership
Calling Operation Sindoor a symbol of self-reliance and self-confidence, Singh noted that India’s defence transformation is the result of sustained efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Key achievements he outlined:
- Annual defence production in FY 2024–25 reached a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore.
- Defence exports touched Rs 23,622 crore.
- India is now capable of meeting not only its own security needs but also those of friendly nations.
“India has reached this position because we have pledged to become Aatmanirbhar in the defence sector,” he said.
Economic Strength to Match Military Might
Rajnath Singh linked defence self-reliance with economic growth, pointing to India’s 6.5 percent GDP growth rate and its trajectory to become the world’s third-largest economy. He said the “double engine government” at the Centre and in states is working towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
BRAHMA: A World-Class Rail Manufacturing Hub
The newly announced BRAHMA project, spread over 148 acres, will serve as a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for:
- Vande Bharat trainsets
- Metro coaches
- Electrical Multiple Units (EMUs)
- High-speed rail coaches
With a total planned investment of Rs 1,800 crore, the facility will be developed in phases and will have an annual capacity to produce up to 1,100 coaches within five years.
Economic and industrial benefits:
- 5,000+ direct and indirect jobs
- Boost to local MSMEs and supply chains in Singrauli, Satna, Rewa, and Katni
- Green manufacturing features like zero liquid discharge, renewable energy, and sustainable construction materials
BEML’s Role in Industrial and Defence Growth
Singh praised BEML for its contributions to India’s industrial and defence capabilities, urging greater investment in research and development.
“Projects like BRAHMA reaffirm our economic resolve to be self-reliant, globally competitive, and future-ready,” he said.
The event was attended by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, senior officials, and BEML CMD Shantanu Roy. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined virtually.
