With the inauguration of the new DPSU Bhawan in New Delhi, Minister Rajnath Singh reviews the sector’s performance and sustainability goals.
On Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSU) Bhawan at the World Trade Centre, Naoroji Nagar in New Delhi. The facility, developed by the Department of Defence Production, is intended to serve as a common platform for all 16 DPSUs to coordinate operations, share resources and showcase their manufacturing capabilities.
At the event, Singh chaired a review meeting of the DPSUs and presented Miniratna (Category-I) status to four entities: Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), India Optel Limited (IOL) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL).
The Defence Ministry stated that the recognition will grant these companies greater financial autonomy and operational flexibility.
The minister noted that India’s defence production reached ₹1.51 trillion in 2024–25, with DPSUs accounting for about 71.6% of the total. Exports were valued at ₹66.95 billion during the same period. Singh asked the undertakings to focus on indigenisation, research and development (R&D) and quality improvement while meeting delivery schedules.
Furthermore, three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were also signed among DPSUs to support manufacturing collaboration. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed separate MoUs with Yantra India Limited (YIL) to establish a 10,000-ton forging press for aluminium alloys, aimed at reducing import dependence. A third MoU with MIDHANI covers the creation of a Metal Bank to ensure steady access to critical raw materials.
The event also saw the release of ‘SWAYAM- Sustainable and Green Defence Manufacturing’, a report detailing measures to improve energy efficiency and expand renewable energy use in defence production. BEL and IOL were recognised for achieving full renewable energy usage this year.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and heads of all DPSUs also attended the ceremony.
