Sitharaman asks Tamil Nadu for 50-yr supply plan for proposed defence parks

Defence minister calls for talks between industry and State on such a plan, for submission to Centre

The government of Tamil Nadu has proposed setting up aerospace and defence parks and the Centre has asked the state to come out with a proper plan, said Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, after an interaction with the industry organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), she said that the State Industry Minister M C Sampath has mooted an idea to set up aerospace and defence parks in Tamil Nadu.

The industry in the State should discuss with the Tamil Nadu government and come out with a proper plan, which could then be submitted to the Centre.

Sitharaman also asked the industry in Tamil Nadu to come out with long-term plans to work with the defence agencies for their future requirements. She said the industry can also get help from experts in the field for a better understanding of the segment, and added that capacity building for the next 50 years has to be taken into consideration.

She alleged that the Congress party did not take any concrete measures regarding the acquisition of fighter jets from French manufacturer Rafale and it was the bold decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that resulted in signing the deal to purchase the aircraft for the country's requirement.