Lucknow/Singapore: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, currently on an official visit to Singapore and Japan, spotlighted the state’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities while addressing the Indian diaspora in Singapore. In a striking reference to “Operation Sindoor,” he declared that the BrahMos missile used during the operation was manufactured in Lucknow — a statement aimed at showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s rising stature in India’s defence ecosystem.
“Operation Sindoor mein jo BrahMos missile daagi gayi thi, woh Lucknow ki hi hai,” the Chief Minister said, underscoring the state’s transformation into a key node of India’s defence production network. His remarks positioned Uttar Pradesh prominently on the global stage, linking national security achievements with the state’s industrial growth.
BrahMos: India’s ‘Brahmastra’
The BrahMos Aerospace-developed BrahMos missile is regarded as one of the world’s most formidable supersonic cruise missiles. Capable of flying at nearly Mach 3 and striking targets up to approximately 800 kilometres away, the missile is known for its precision, mid-air manoeuvrability, and ability to evade enemy radar systems. These features have earned it the reputation of being India’s indigenous “Brahmastra.”
By invoking Operation Sindoor in his speech, Adityanath emphasized India’s transition from being a major arms importer to becoming a manufacturer and exporter of advanced weapon systems, reinforcing the country’s push for defence self-reliance.
UP Defence Corridor Gains Global Spotlight
A key highlight of the Chief Minister’s address was the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, a flagship initiative aimed at establishing the state as a defence production powerhouse. The corridor spans six nodes — Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Chitrakoot, and Aligarh — strategically designed to attract investment and boost indigenous manufacturing.
The BrahMos production facility in Lucknow symbolizes this broader industrial transformation. Once labelled a “BIMARU” state, Uttar Pradesh is now projecting itself as a future-ready defence and industrial hub. The initiative is expected to generate high-skilled employment, attract foreign and domestic investment, and contribute significantly to India’s strategic autonomy.
Strategic Messaging from Singapore
Observers note that raising the issue in Singapore was a calculated diplomatic and economic move. By highlighting defence manufacturing achievements abroad, Adityanath aimed to reinforce Uttar Pradesh’s investment-friendly image while showcasing India’s military capability on a global platform.
Through references to Operation Sindoor and the BrahMos missile, the Chief Minister not only underscored India’s decisive military preparedness but also projected Uttar Pradesh as a new brand in defence manufacturing — blending security, industrial growth, and economic development into a unified narrative.
As India accelerates its push for self-reliance in defence, Uttar Pradesh appears poised to play a pivotal role, with the speed of the BrahMos symbolizing the rapid pace of the state’s development trajectory.
