Sitharaman launches vessel, asks defence PSUs to expand market

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Thursday asked public sector defence undertakings in India to look at the world as a market for their products.

She was speaking at Vasco town after launching a Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel (OPV) of the Goa Shipyard Limited, a public sector undertaking.

"I want not just the Goa Shipyard but every defence public sector undertaking to look at manufacturing of international class. Not just look at your captive market like the defence forces, but look at world as a market which you need to reach out to and compete globally," she said.

Internationally there is an immense interest in buying defence products like the OPVs from India, she said.

Many overseas clients have shown an interest in buying from India, the minister said.

"I want the management (of defence PSUs) together with experts to capture those markets which are appreciative of your work. If they are appreciative of your work, half the work is done. You need to go and negotiate," she said.

"You should have the confidence to get up and say that there is a market and can the government help us to get there and get it. You are capable of producing more. Please put on that attitude to say that we are able to compete globally and help us in that," the minister said, adding, "We will still support you."