North India Excluded from Defense Manufacturing Self-Reliance Mission, Report States

North India appears to be largely excluded from the national mission of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense manufacturing, despite its significant human resource contributions and innovative capacity. While India aims for a $26 billion defense industry turnover by 2025 and substantial exports, the focus on establishing defense industrial corridors and manufacturing clusters has predominantly favored southern and western regions. This concentration, a continuation of historical political decisions, raises concerns about vulnerability and equitable regional development in the defense sector.