A New India
Chapter 171 - 171: The Dawn of India's Defense Industry

The establishment of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had marked a turning point in India's quest for self-reliance.

The foundation was laid, the factories were being built, and the nation's best engineers were hard at work under the guidance of experts..

However, Rohan knew that HAL alone would not be enough to secure India's future.

If India were to truly defend its sovereignty and build a future where it didn't rely on foreign powers for defense, the country needed more than just an aviation industry.

It needed an entire ecosystem of defense companies, factories that would build everything from tanks to naval ships, from missiles to communication systems.

It was time to take the next step, and that step required not only government involvement but also the participation of India's private sector.

Rohan had always believed in the power of public-private partnerships, and now, with the defense sector on the verge of a revolution, he knew it was the perfect time to open the doors to private investment.

As the clock struck 12 PM.

He called Neeraj and informed him that this evening he will address the whole nation regarding the government ambitions for Defence Sector.

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As the sun set behind the historic walls of Delhi, a sense of anticipation filled the streets.

Across India, families gathered around their radios.

The Prime Minister was about to make an announcement that would set India on a new path.

Inside a quiet recording studio, Rohan sat in front of the microphone.

The technician gave a quick nod, signaling that they were live.

Taking a deep breath, Rohan leaned forward and began.

"My fellow citizens," his voice was calm but clear, "today, India stands at the threshold of a new era. We have fought hard for our freedom, and now we are building our future. As you all know, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is now operational, and soon, the skies over India will be protected by Indian-made aircraft."

He paused, letting the words settle, before continuing.

"But we cannot stop at aircraft alone. To truly defend our borders, we must build our own defense industry. We cannot continue to rely on imports for our weapons, our vehicles, and our equipment. The time has come for India to stand on its own, to be self-reliant not just in aviation, but in every aspect of defense."

Rohan's voice grew more passionate as he continued

"Today, I am proud to announce that the government of India will be opening the doors for private companies to join us in building our defense sector. We will work closely with our industrialists, engineers, and innovators to ensure that everything needed by our military, from tanks to communication systems, from artillery to ships is, Made in India."

The message was clear: the government was calling upon the private sector to take up the challenge, to rise to the occasion.

"But let me be clear," Rohan said, his tone firm, "only companies that meet the highest standards will be allowed to enter. This is not just business, this is about the security and future of India. There will be strict vetting to ensure that only the best minds and the most dedicated companies contribute to this national cause."

Across India, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the quiet villages of Bihar, people listened closely.

For many, this was more than just an announcement, it was a call to arms, a chance for the nation to step into a new era of self-reliance.

"I call upon all of you, our great industrialists, our engineers, and our workers, to join us in this effort. The future of India's defense is in your hands. Together, we will build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous nation."

As the address ended, Rohan leaned back in his chair, knowing full well that his words had just lit the spark that would ignite India's defense industry.

The response was immediate.

The very next day, phones in the offices of Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Delhi buzzed with excitement.

The country's top industrialists knew they were on the cusp of something historic.

In Mumbai, J.R.D. Tata, head of the Tata Group, was already meeting with his board members.

The company had always been at the forefront of India's industrialization, and Tata knew this was an opportunity to build something even greater.

"We've been pioneers in many fields," Tata said to his executives, "but now it's time for us to enter defense. The Prime Minister's call was clear, and we're ready to answer it. We'll form Tata Advanced Systems and start building military vehicles and communication systems for the Army."

One of his board members raised a question. "What about expertise? We don't have a background in defense manufacturing."

Tata didn't hesitate. "We'll hire the best engineers, bring in experts if we need to. The government is backing us, and we'll make sure we live up to the trust they're placing in us."

In Kolkata, the response was equally swift. G.D. Birla, leader of the Birla Group, wasted no time in making moves.

He called his top advisors to a meeting to discuss the establishment of Birla Defence Works.

"The time has come," Birla said, "for India to rely on its own industry to protect itself. We've built everything from factories to steel plants, and now we'll build artillery and ammunition for our armed forces."

An advisor asked, "Do we have the capacity to start immediately?"

Birla nodded. "We'll start with what we know best. We'll build factories for ammunition and basic artillery, then expand into more advanced systems. We have the expertise, we just need to move fast."

In Bangalore, the Kirloskar Group held a strategy meeting.

Known for their proficiency in engineering, they were eager to get involved.

"Let's not waste time," said Shantanurao Kirloskar, the company's leader. "We'll form Kirloskar Military Technologies. Our focus will be on building armored vehicles and machinery for the Army. We have the skills, and with the government's backing, we'll be able to expand rapidly."

One of the engineers raised a concern. "We've never built military-grade vehicles before."

Kirloskar responded confidently. "We've always adapted to new challenges. This is no different. We'll invest in research and development and make sure our engineers are trained for this."

In Pune, the Walchand Group, which had already been making strides in aviation, jumped at the opportunity to enter the defense sector.

"We've worked with the government before," said Walchand Hirachand, addressing his executives. "Now it's time to step into defense. We'll set up Walchand Defence Engineering and start producing missile systems and radars. The country needs us, and we can deliver."

Across the country, other industrialists were having similar conversations.

In Chennai, the TVS Group quickly formed TVS Defence Systems, focusing on building military transport vehicles for the Army.

"Logistics are key to any military operation," said T.S. Srinivasan, head of the company. "We'll make sure our soldiers have the vehicles they need to move swiftly and safely."

In Hyderabad, Bharat Forge, led by Baba Kalyani, announced the creation of Bharat Forge Defence, which would specialize in artillery systems and advanced weaponry.

In Mumbai, the Godrej Group, known for their consumer goods, saw an opportunity to diversify.

Godrej Aerospace was formed with the goal of manufacturing aircraft components and missile systems for the Indian Air Force.

"We've built everything," said Adi Godrej. "Now we'll build components for fighter jets and missiles. The challenge is great, but so is the opportunity."

Meanwhile, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), already a powerhouse in engineering and construction, saw the potential in the defense sector.

They quickly established L&T Defence, focusing on shipbuilding and naval systems.

"We've built India's infrastructure," said A.M. Naik, the company's head. "Now we'll build the ships and submarines that will protect our coasts."