Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s burgeoning role in India’s defense manufacturing during the inauguration of the UP International Trade Show in Greater Noida. He highlighted the significance of the BrahMos missile production within the state, noting its impact on regional security dynamics by stating it causes “sleepless nights” for Pakistan.
Shah detailed the progress within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, which is seeing substantial investments across its six nodes: Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Agra, Aligarh, and Kanpur. He pointed to the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow and the AK-203 assault rifles production in Amethi as clear indicators of the state’s expanding capabilities in defense manufacturing. The Lucknow facility, which became operational in May 2025, is responsible for the assembly, integration, and testing of supersonic cruise missiles, with its first batch being dispatched in October of the same year.
The establishment of the BrahMos facility, Shah noted, was supported by an investment of approximately ₹300 crore and spans nearly 200 acres. This initiative aims to bolster indigenous defense production while also fostering ancillary industries and creating skilled employment opportunities.
Beyond defense, Shah praised Uttar Pradesh’s improved law-and-order situation and its burgeoning industrial base, which he said are key factors in attracting further investment to the region. He also lauded the state’s One District, One Product initiative for its role in expanding local industries and generating employment for young people.
The UP International Trade Show 2026, running from September 25 to 29, serves as a convergence point for manufacturers, MSMEs, exporters, artisans, startups, investors, and international buyers, showcasing the state’s industrial potential and growth.