Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says India, which was once seen as a weapons importer, will become the biggest arms exporter in about 25 to 30 years. Speaking after inaugurating an ammunition manufacturing unit at Shirdi, Singh frames the goal as part of a longer-term shift in India’s defence industry. He also highlights expanding the role of the private sector in defence production, saying the government aims to raise private participation in defence manufacturing to 50%. Singh describes the private sector as more than a supplier of basic components, saying it should also produce advanced weapons systems. He adds that progress depends on alignment between government policy and private innovation, which he says can help the country reach higher levels in defence capabilities. Singh further calls for collective effort to build India into a hub for munitions and automation. The statements are presented as targets and direction for industry development, following the inauguration of the Shirdi facility.