States » NorthPosted at: Sep 29 2026 8:21PM


UP no longer identified with kattas, but with BrahMos & fighter jets: union minister Giriraj Singh

Greater Noida, Sep 29 (UNI) union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh today said that Uttar Pradesh is no longer identified with the old "katta industry," but with modern defence production such as the BrahMos missile and fighter jets.
"Changes in law and order, infrastructure, expressways, air connectivity, and industrial development in the state have given Uttar Pradesh a new economic identity," he noted and said that if Uttar Pradesh becomes stronger, the country will become stronger.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2026 as the chief guest, the union Minister said that India's youth power is the country's greatest strength, and Uttar Pradesh is an important centre of this power. He said that the state's industrial potential is no longer limited to traditional sectors, but new possibilities are also emerging in the fields of defence production, modern manufacturing, exports, and technology.
Referring to the changing industrial identity of Uttar Pradesh, Giriraj Singh said that while the state was once seen as a hub for the "gun industry," today it is now producing modern defence products like the BrahMos missile and fighter jets. He said this change reflects the potential of the state's developing industrial and defence sectors.
He further said that improved law and order, road and air connectivity, and industrial infrastructure have created new opportunities for investment and business. Referring to the Noida International Airport at Jewar, expressways, and other infrastructure projects, he said that improved connectivity is facilitating travel and business activities between different parts of the state.
Referring to the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme, the union Minister said that through this scheme, efforts have been made to connect the specific products, artisans, and entrepreneurs of the districts with the market. He said that events like UPITS are providing a platform to showcase local products to buyers across the country and the world. He said that the state's various products, including Banaras sarees, Moradabad brass, Bhadohi carpets, and Lucknow's Chikankari, have their own unique identity. These products need modern technology, better packaging, branding, and connectivity with the global market.
Referring to the B2B meetings and business activities held at UPITS, Giriraj Singh said that the event has brought together Uttar Pradesh's entrepreneurs, exporters, artisans, exhibitors, and buyers from India and abroad. He said that such events play a vital role in connecting the state's products with the global market. He said that the target has been set to take Uttar Pradesh's economy to one trillion dollars, and exports, manufacturing, and the MSME sector can play a significant role in this.
Referring to the increase in foreign direct investment and exports in India, the union Minister said that the country's global economic role is growing. He emphasized the need to promote alternative fuels like ethanol to reduce dependence on energy imports. He said that reducing energy import expenditure is an important step towards self-reliance. Given India's growing energy needs, the expansion of alternative and indigenous energy sources is essential.
Giriraj Singh noted India's growing role on various international platforms, including BRICS. He stated that India is playing a significant role in global economic and diplomatic dialogue. Referring to the potential of youth, he said that youth power can play a crucial role in accelerating the country's development. He stated that Uttar Pradesh's economic strength will also impact the country's overall economy. Employment and economic activity can be expanded by promoting industry, exports, MSMEs, and local products in the state.
The union Minister commended the contributions of officials involved in organizing UPITS-2026, various departments, India Expo Mart, entrepreneurs, artisans, exhibitors, and buyers from India and abroad. He said that the five-day event provided an opportunity to showcase Uttar Pradesh's products, entrepreneurship, handicrafts, and industrial potential on a global platform. He commended the arrangements for the event and expressed gratitude to the entire team that contributed to the success of UPITS-2026.
Giriraj Singh launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the opposition alliance, alleging that the opposition, after being out of power for a long time, is trying to destabilize the country.
Referring to the SIR, he said that after the special intensive revision of the voter list, those whose names are omitted or deleted have the opportunity to get their names added through the prescribed process. Despite this, the opposition is attempting to defame the Election Commission and the Supreme Court, he claimed .
Accusing Rahul Gandhi of political failure in Uttar Pradesh, he said that the Congress and Samajwadi Party in the state are not in alliance but, in his words, a "thugbandhan".
He also claimed that Rahul Gandhi cannot dare to contest elections alone and has to rely on allies for seat sharing. He called on the youth to be vigilant about the opposition's politics in the national interest.
He accused Rahul Gandhi of not acknowledging the economic and industrial changes taking place in the country and of creating confusion among the public on various issues. He said that today the country is progressing in the field of infrastructure, defence production, exports, investment and industrial development, but instead of looking at these changes in a positive way, Rahul is pointing fingers at the policies of the government, he charged.
UNI MBD SS
Tags: #UP no longer identified with kattas# but with BrahMos & fighter jets: union minister Giriraj Singh
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