Scope for bridge between India, international startups in defence and aerospace sector: Union minister Piyush Goyal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said there is scope to establish a connection or “bridge” between Indian and international start-ups within the defence and aerospace sectors.

He further expressed confidence that India is poised to become a preferred supplier for the defence and aerospace sector in the near future.

“…there is scope for a bridge or a connection between startups in India and internationally in the space of defence and aerospace. I will ask Startup India to see, and we will use the services of the companies and their connection, if we can connect the two,” Goyal said in response to a question.

Addressing reporters after visiting the Aerospace SEZ at KIADB Export Promotion Industrial Area in Devanahalli near here, he said the defence and aerospace zone will be the beginning of a path-breaking journey in the field.

“I have absolutely no doubt that in the years to come, particularly given the great relationships that India is creating with many other developed countries, India will become a preferred supplier for defence and aerospace,” he said.

Acknowledging the design and innovation activity happening within global capability centres in India, Goyal said, “Now we will not only design and innovate in India, we will patent in India, we will produce in India and hopefully become a globally relevant partner in the supply chain. I’m truly very very optimistic about the potential of this sector.” Earlier, after attending the Industry Interaction in Bengaluru, the Union Minister told media that the deep tech industry, the startup ecosystem which is present in the city in a big way is a “jewel in our crown”.

“We are proud of the good work that the tech sector, particularly the global capability centres are doing,” he said and assured that the Government of India will extend full support to the technology industry and the startup ecosystem.

Pointing out that the union cabinet recently approved a scheme to provide Rs 1 lakh crore to promote research and development and innovation, Goyal said, “We have also come out with a Rs 2 lakh crore employment generation incentive scheme along with several other programmes for skill development, the PM internship programme, and several other initiatives.” “The startup fund of funds of Rs 10,000 crore, and all of these put together, will give deep encouragement to support the growing startup ecosystem, tech ecosystem and manufacturing ecosystem,” he added.