9APRIL 2026Ashwini Vaishnaw said today that India smartphone exports have surged to $30 billion, marking a major milestone in the country's rise as a global electronics powerhouse.The announcement highlights how India smartphone exports have grown rapidly, turning the country into a trusted production base for leading global brands.Speaking on the development, the minister noted that India is fast emerging as a smartphone manufacturing hub, driven by strong policy support and rising global demand. Total smartphone production has also climbed sharply, with output valued at nearly $60 billion, showing how exports now make up a significant share of overall manufacturing. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the UDAN 2.0 rollout is set to transform regional aviation while creating strong momentum for small aircraft manufacturing in India.Speaking on the latest developments, the minister emphasized that the upgraded scheme is not just about expanding air connectivity but also about building long-term industrial capacity.The government has significantly increased funding under UDAN 2.0, aiming to connect more tier-2 and tier-3 cities through affordable flights. As new regional routes open, airlines will require aircraft that can operate on shorter runways, directly driving demand for smaller planes. This growing demand is expected to strengthen the domestic aviation manufacturing ecosystem. A major push is underway to set up a Defense AI Centre of Excellence with an estimated Rs 300 crore investment, aimed at building advanced artificial intelligence systems for military use.The plan is being discussed with AI startup Sarvam and is focused on strengthening India's capability to develop secure, homegrown defense technology.The proposal is currently in an advanced stage, with talks between government stakeholders and Sarvam moving forward.The startup is expected to help design AI models tailored specifically for defense needs, ensuring systems are built with local data security, operational control, and real-world battlefield requirements in mind.At its core, the initiative is about improving how artificial intelligence supports military operations. Key focus areas include surveillance systems, drone intelligence, cybersecurity defense, and faster decision-making tools that can assist during critical missions. These applications are expected to improve both speed and accuracy in defense responses.The project also reflects a broader national direction toward self-reliance in critical technology. The Defense AI Centre of Excellence is expected to bring together startups, research institutions, and defense agencies to develop solutions within the country instead of depending on imported systems. This collaboration model is designed to strengthen long-term technological independence in a rapidly evolving global security environment.If approved, the Rs 300 crore centre could become a key hub for defense-focused AI development, helping accelerate innovation in military technology. It is also expected to deepen collaboration across the deep-tech ecosystem and support the integration of artificial intelligence into future defense planning and operations at scale. INDIA SMARTPHONE EXPORTS HIT $30 BILLION, SAYS ASHWINI VAISHNAWUDAN 2.0 STRENGTHENS SMALL AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING IN INDIADEFENSE AI CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE PLANNED WITH RS 300 CR PUSH
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