Rahul Gandhi Criticises India's Drone Industry, Industry Hits Back

In a recent video, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized India's drone technology, particularly highlighting the lack of indigenous manufacturing of drone optics, motors, and batteries. Holding a Chinese-made DJI drone, he pointed out how drones were revolutionizing warfare, both in the air and underwater, and critiqued India's understanding of drone technology and AI compared to China's model. However, his statements have sparked a backlash. Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation of India, refuted Gandhi's claims, emphasizing that India does indeed have a robust drone manufacturing ecosystem with over 400 companies operating. Shah criticized Gandhi's use of a banned Chinese drone as sending a demoralizing message to the Indian industry, which has been flourishing under the 2021 Drone Policy. The Border Security Force (BSF) added to the debate by discussing security concerns with Chinese drones, noting their use in smuggling activities, leading to their ban in India. Despite these criticisms, analysts maintain that India's drone sector is on an upward trajectory, supported by government initiatives like Drone Shakti, Drone Didi, and substantial investments aimed at turning India into a $13 billion drone hub by 2030.