Sitharaman at the launch of UP Defence Corridor in Aligarh.Assuring all sorts of support to the defence equipment makers, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday urged them to expand their footprint into the global market. “There is a global demand for worldclass defence equipment and products. I urge all of you to increase your defence export potential. We are willing to work with you to reach this goal,” Ms Sitharaman said while speaking at the launch of UP Defence Corridor here. The minister also urged them to be innovative and approach the ministry for the orders. “Startups and MSMEs can show their innovative products to us. After required tests are completed, we are ready to buy those products. I assure you to give you orders for minimum 10 years,” she added. In an effort to promote the domestic industry, she said laws have been changed. “Earlier, the forces would send a proposal if there was a necessity cited by them. Now, the manufacturers can suo motu suggest the necessity for the forces,” said Ms Sitharaman. Speaking on the occasion, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “Earlier the investors do not want to come to Uttar Pradesh but now they have shown interest very much in investing in the state. He also said nearly 4,000 hectares of land has been notified near Jhansi and 200 hectares in Aligarh for this purpose.
