Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the need for India to become self-reliant and a “net exporter of technology" as he addressed through video conference scientists of  the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on the occasion of National Technology Day.

“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.”

Singh called upon the country’s pool of experts to contribute to make India a technological powerhouse and assured that the government and people fully support their future endeavours in this direction. He informed that defence organisations are tackling the challenges posed by COVID-19 using state-of-the-art technology. India’s defence forces and Research & Development efforts have contributed significantly in finding solutions to the challenges posed by this invisible enemy. 

He added, “DRDO has developed more than 50 products in the last 3-4 months, like bio suit, sanitiser dispenser, PPE kits, etc 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.”

With the National Technology Day being observed on May 11, 2020, commemorating the nuclear tests conducted on that day at Pokhran in 1998, that symbolised successful achievements of home-grown technologies, Singh stressed the need for self-reliance in critical areas. Speaking on the significance of the occasion, he 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 reminds us of the continuous effort to achieve self-reliance in important technologies, encourage innovations and maintain technology flow for product realisation, he added.

National Technology Day 2020 was celebrated at DRDO to commemorate and pay tribute to the dedication, determination, and sacrifice of scientists and engineers, who have worked for achieving a national technological identity with the success of Shakti-Pokhran 2 and a webinar was held with a presentation on DRDO technologies to fight against COVID-19.