Union Home Minister Amit Shah underscored the rapidly expanding defence manufacturing sector in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting its significant contributions to national security and local economic growth. Speaking at the UP International Trade Show in Greater Noida, Shah pointed out that the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, now integrated and tested in Lucknow, are a source of strategic advantage for India, reportedly causing concern for neighboring Pakistan.
During the event, Shah emphasized the influx of investments into the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, which spans six key nodes: Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Agra, Aligarh, and Kanpur. He noted that the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow, inaugurated in May 2025, plays a crucial role in the assembly and integration of these missiles. The facility represents a significant investment of approximately ₹300 crore, covering nearly 200 acres, aimed at bolstering indigenous defence production.
Beyond missile production, Shah highlighted the manufacturing of AK-203 assault rifles in Amethi as another example of the state’s growing defence capabilities. The development of these facilities contributes to the industrialization of Uttar Pradesh and offers employment opportunities for skilled workers in the region.
Shah also attributed the state’s improving law-and-order situation and its burgeoning industrial base to the success in drawing significant investment. He praised the “One District, One Product” initiative, which fosters the growth of local industries and creates job opportunities for the youth, further strengthening the state’s economic landscape.
The UP International Trade Show 2026, running from September 25 to 29, gathers a diverse group of participants, including manufacturers, MSMEs, exporters, artisans, startups, investors, and international buyers, providing a platform for showcasing the state’s economic potential and fostering collaborative opportunities.