Naidu said the technologies have to be developed indigenously to make India self-reliant in defence technology and emerge as an export hub of modern military hardware. Addressing scientists and engineers of Hindustan Aeronautical Limited and Aeronautical Development Agency at HAL complex, Bengaluru, the Vice President said indigenous products would play a key role in leapfrogging India as an Aerospace and Defence powerhouse in the coming years. While noting India’s capability to manufacture the state-of-the-art missiles, satellites and space vehicles, he said, “the paradox remains that we are still among the largest arms importers in the world”. He called for changing this situation by quickening the pace of indigenous development of critical technologies.