Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s burgeoning role in India’s defense manufacturing sector during the inauguration of the UP International Trade Show in Greater Noida. He highlighted the state’s production of BrahMos missiles, asserting that these developments are causing concern for neighboring Pakistan. Shah underscored the strategic importance of the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow, which began operations in May 2025, as a key component in this growth.
Shah noted that the defense manufacturing capabilities in Uttar Pradesh are expanding rapidly, with significant investments channeled into the state’s Defense Industrial Corridor. This corridor comprises six nodes: Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Agra, Aligarh, and Kanpur. The Lucknow facility, established with a ₹300 crore investment, is dedicated to the assembly, integration, and testing of the supersonic cruise missile, with its first batch of missiles produced in October 2025. Additionally, the production of AK-203 assault rifles in Amethi was highlighted as a testament to the state’s increasing defense capabilities.
Beyond defense, Shah praised Uttar Pradesh’s improved law-and-order situation and robust industrial base, which are attracting further investments. He pointed to the state government’s One District, One Product initiative as a catalyst for local industry growth and employment opportunities for young people in the region.
The UP International Trade Show 2026, running from September 25 to 29, serves as a platform for manufacturers, MSMEs, exporters, artisans, startups, investors, and international buyers to collaborate and explore opportunities within the state. Shah’s remarks at the event underscored the government’s commitment to bolstering indigenous defense production and supporting ancillary industries.