Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today emphasised the Government’s determination to expand the capacity of the indigenous defence industry for both local production and exports under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the crucial role played by Indian diplomats in realising the vision. Addressing the Trainee officers of the Indian Foreign Service at South Block in New Delhi, Mr Singh stated that India has traversed a long distance from being a major importer of defence equipment to a manufacturer and exporter of platforms in all domains. He highlighted that the global community of nations is closely following the country’s growth story and looking up to its leadership role. Mr Singh further urged the officers to remain open to new ideas and perspectives from every culture and carry with them the values of the nation’s civilisational wisdom.