Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the Brahmos missile played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, leading to heightened international interest, with nearly 14-15 countries expressing a desire to procure the missile. Singh made the statement during an event in Lucknow, where he unveiled a statue of former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Chandra Bhanu Gupta at the National PG College and also released a commemorative postage stamp in his honour.
“Just a few days ago, I inaugurated a Brahmos airspace integration and testing facility in Lucknow. You must have seen that in Operation Sindoor, Brahmos missile has done a miraculous job. After that, about 14-15 countries of the world have demanded Brahmos missile from India,” Singh said.
He further announced that Brahmos missiles will now be exported from Lucknow. “I believe that this facility will strengthen our country’s self-reliance in the defence sector and create employment. My effort is that more industries should also come here so that, along with Lucknow, the state also develops rapidly,” Singh added.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s industrial growth, Singh credited the improved law and order situation and robust infrastructure for attracting investment. “Historical changes are taking place in infrastructure. Expressways, airports, metros, and medical colleges are presenting a new picture of development,” he said.
Singh, the Lok Sabha MP from Lucknow and a former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, paid tribute to Chandra Bhanu Gupta, praising his simplicity, sacrifice, and nationalist vision. “Chandra Bhanu Gupta ji started as a simple worker in the freedom movement and made a place in the hearts of millions of people through his sacrifice, commitment and leadership,” he said.
Singh emphasized Gupta’s nationalistic agenda, integrity, and his disagreement with certain economic policies of then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.