Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his day-long visit to Gujarat with a visit to the armed systems complex of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at Hazira in Surat. During the visit, he was briefed on the 'Zorawar' tanks and other defence equipment being manufactured at the facility.
Briefing on Indigenous Defence Systems
The Prime Minister was briefed by senior L&T executives about the various indigenous defence systems being developed at the complex. According to an official statement, the facility plays a pivotal role in India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, specifically in the field of heavy engineering and armoured systems.
Zorawar Tank: A Key Development
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and L&T Defence have jointly developed the Zorawar tank, an air-transportable 25-tonne tank designed for rapid deployment along India's international borders. This tank is a significant step towards enhancing India's defence capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign imports.
PM Modi's Remarks on Atmanirbhar Bharat
Speaking at the event in Surat, PM Modi said that Hazira was developing into an ecosystem of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat’, referring to the defence production facility there. He added, "Hazira gives a clear glimpse of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It presents an ecosystem of defence production, energy, steel, ports and global trade."
Post on Social Media
Later, PM Modi posted about his visit to the defence production facility on his X handle. The post read: “This afternoon, went to the L&T complex at Hazira. Witnessed some of their pioneering innovations across different sectors. The role played by L&T in furthering self-reliance in the defence sector is commendable.”
The visit underscores the government's commitment to boosting indigenous defence manufacturing and achieving self-reliance in critical sectors. The L&T complex at Hazira is a prime example of India's growing capabilities in heavy engineering and defence production.
