Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has announced that the state government will soon introduce its ‘Aerospace and Defense Policy 2.0’ to attract investments in the defense sector and establish Hyderabad as a key hub for defense research.
Speaking at the curtain-raiser program for the ‘Raksha Expo’, the Chief Minister stated that the event aims to unite stakeholders from the defense industry to encourage meaningful dialogue and develop an international collaboration platform.
Revanth Reddy emphasized Hyderabad’s strategic significance, noting the presence of numerous research institutions and strategic centers affiliated with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force in the city. He also highlighted that, despite being the only South Indian state without a coastline, Telangana provides vital support to the Indian Navy, including the construction of a Very Low Frequency naval radar station in Damagundam Reserve Forest in Vikarabad district.
The Chief Minister invited investors to participate in the ‘Invest Telangana Global Summit’, scheduled for December 7 to 9 at Bharat Future City in Hyderabad. He remarked that the inaugural summit last year was highly successful.
The curtain-raiser program featured representatives from organizations such as DRDO, HAL, BDL, Midhani, the Tata Group, Airbus, Skyroot, Lockheed Martin, and Bharat Forge.
Revanth Reddy highlighted the critical need for skilled human resources in the defense sector, citing institutions including IITs, IIITs, NITs, ISB, and BITS. He also mentioned the establishment of Young India Skills University, the upgrading of ITIs into Advanced Training Centres, and the presence of incubators within the state.
Stressing India’s ambition to become a global leader in defense manufacturing, he stated the country must shift from importing defense technology to exporting it. He called on Telangana to become India’s largest industrial hub for defense and allied industries, such as space, aerospace, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and drone technology.
The Chief Minister urged investors to double their planned commitments in Telangana and assured full government support.
Referring to the ‘Telangana Rising: Vision 2047’ document, Revanth Reddy explained the state’s targets to achieve a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034 and a USD 3 trillion economy by 2047. He noted that Telangana accounts for over 2.5 per cent of India’s population and contributes 5 per cent to the nation’s GDP, with a goal to increase its share to 10 per cent by 2047.
He also described ‘Raksha Expo’ as a premier platform aimed at connecting global Original Equipment Manufacturers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The government expects industry leaders, senior defense and security officials, experts, and startups to bring forward innovative ideas and advanced technologies.
Revanth Reddy stressed that although political differences exist in the state, there is consensus on investment and development, with no “policy paralysis” hindering progress.
“We possessed intelligent, skilled human capital and all the necessary resources. Above all, we have a clear development policy, a firm resolve, and a strong drive to move forward. Let us all work together to transform India into a global leader and a powerful nation in the defence,