Umariya: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that Operation Sindoor proves India has the ability to decisively defeat its enemies with home-grown strength. At a public event in Umariya, he called the operation a strong response to the cruel terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that this decisive reply sent a clear message that India will not tolerate any attack on its integrity and sovereignty. He stated, “We do not provoke anyone, but those who provoke us will not be spared.”
Rajnath Singh described Operation Sindoor as a symbol of India’s self-reliance and self-confidence. He noted that the Armed Forces effectively used local equipment, which played a key role in the operation's success. He emphasized that India has reached this level because it has committed to becoming Aatmanirbhar in the defense sector. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and vision for transforming the sector. He said India is not only making defense equipment for itself but is also meeting the security needs of friendly countries. He shared that defense production and exports are increasing rapidly, with annual defense production in 2024–25 expected to hit a record ₹1.51 lakh crore and exports reaching an all-time high of ₹23,622 crore.
The Defence Minister highlighted the economic growth achieved over the past decade. He pointed out that the Indian economy is growing at about 6.5 percent a year and is on track to become the third largest economy in the world. He expressed confidence that the efforts of the “double engine government” will boost this growth even more and help reach the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Rajnath Singh was in Umariya to lay the foundation stone of BEML’s new Rail Manufacturing facility called the BEML Rail Hub for Manufacturing or BRAHMA. Covering 148 acres, this world-class manufacturing unit will be completed in about two years with a ₹1,800 crore investment in phases. Initially, it will produce 125 to 200 coaches per year, with plans to ramp up production to 1,100 coaches annually within five years. The facility will manufacture Vande Bharat trainsets, metro cars, Electrical Multiple Units, high-speed rail coaches, and other advanced rolling stock for both domestic and export markets.
The project is expected to create more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, stimulate local supply chains, and support micro, small, and medium enterprises in Madhya Pradesh’s industrial belt, especially in Singrauli, Satna, Rewa, and Katni. To align with India’s green manufacturing goals, the unit will include zero liquid discharge systems, renewable energy integration, rainwater harvesting, and green landscaping. The use of recycled and sustainable building materials will ensure adherence to environmental and safety standards, including required clearances and green factory norms.
Rajnath Singh stated that initiatives like BRAHMA are crucial for building the industrial and technological foundation necessary for national security and economic growth. He praised BEML’s contribution to strengthening the defense sector and called for a stronger focus on research and development as the basis for any industry. He said projects like BRAHMA reaffirm India’s resolve to be self-reliant, globally competitive, and ready for the future.
The ceremony was attended by Union Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who joined virtually, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, BEML Chairman and Managing Director Shantanu Roy, and other senior officials from the state and central government.
