Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma seeks Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's help to set Up Defence Corridor in the state
Assam is pushing for a defence corridor to boost its economy and strengthen national security. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the project. The state government has also launched a policy to attract investment in aerospace and defence manufacturing.
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Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday met Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh and sought his intervention in establishing the Defence Corridor in Assam At a meeting with Defence Minister at his official residence here, Chief Minister Sarma pressed Singh to set up the Defence Corridor in Assam, saying that 'this will fortify the needs of our armed forces in Eastern Frontier and strength Hon'ble Prime Minister's ' Make in India ' vision and create new economic opportunities in the North East.'Defence Minister Singh said his Ministry has been actively considering setting up a Defence Corridor in Assam.Later, taking to micro blogging platform X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister wrote, "Had the honour to call upon Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Adarniya @rajnathsingh Ji today in New Delhi. We spoke about establishing a defence corridor in Assam. This will serve multiple purposes - fortify the needs of our armed forces in the Eastern Frontier, strengthen Hon'ble Prime Minister 'Make in India' vision and create new economic opportunities in the North East."The Government of Assam has formulated the Assam Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy 2025 aimed at establishing the State as a leading hub for aerospace and defence manufacturing in India. The policy leverages Assam's strategic location, infrastructure, and natural resources to attract investments and foster innovation within the sector.Assam's geographical location, proximity to Southeast Asia, and existing infrastructure are seen as advantages for attracting investments and creating an industry ecosystem.The Assam Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy 2025 provides incentives and support for companies in the sector, including capital subsidies, SGST reimbursement, transport subsidies, and production-linked subsidies.The policy recognises the need for a skilled workforce in the defence and aerospace sectors and offers incentives for skill development.The policy focuses on key areas such as aircraft manufacturing, defence equipment production, avionics, MRO services, simulation, and R&D.Assam's vision is aligned with the Ministry of Defence's goal of achieving a turnover of $26 billion in aerospace and defence manufacturing by 2025, including $5 billion in exports.The State Government is actively seeking partnerships with both domestic and international defence manufacturers, as well as startups and technology leaders.Sarma on Monday met Union Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and discussed expanding air connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast Region.The Union Minister assured the Chief Minister that work for Silchar's greenfield airport will begin this year and the crucial Rupsi airport will also be expanded. Naidu also informed Sarma that Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Silchar Airports will soon be connected to more Indian cities through new flight connections.They also explored the possibility of getting several more first-time fliers airborne, aimed at revisiting UDAN in the region by making it more effective, vibrant and sustainable.Later taking to X (formerly Twitter) Chief Minister Dr. Sarma wrote, "Had an excellent meeting with Hon'ble Minister for Civil Aviation Shri @RamMNK Ji. We spoke at length on expanding air connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast. Some key takeaways:Work for Silchar's greenfield airport is likely to begin this year.Hon'ble Minister has assured me that the crucial Rupsi airport will be expanded as well.Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Silchar will soon be accessible to more Indian cities with new flight connections.We will try and get several more first-time fliers airborne as we aim to revisit UDAN in the region, by making it more effective, vibrant and sustainable."
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