New Delhi [India], October 6 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai paid a courtesy call on Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence in New Delhi today.

During the meeting, specific issues related to development in the defence sector in Chhattisgarh were discussed. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu was also present on the occasion.

Earlier on September 24, the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the Central Government has sanctioned Rs 8.75 crore for the upgradation of the Keskal city stretch of National Highway-30 in Bastar district. The Chief Minister added that the upgraded road would also enhance access to healthcare and educational services for people in the region.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate a national-level conference on 'Opportunities in Defence Manufacturing in the Country' at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on October 7, 2025, an official press release said.

The conference, organised under the aegis of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (MoD), will provide a focused platform to strengthen coordination between MoD and State/UT Governments, with the objective of aligning regional industrial policies and infrastructure development with the national goal of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. During the event, the Defence Minister will launch the new 'Defence Exim Portal', designed to streamline the process of issuing export and import authorisations, as well as the Srijan DEEP (Defence Establishments and Entrepreneurs Platform) portal, a digital repository mapping the capabilities and products of Indian defence industries.

Two key publications 'Aerospace & Defence Sector Policy Compendium of States and Union Territories' and the iDEX Coffee Table Book 'Shared Horizons of Innovation' will also be released on the occasion. The conference aims to bring together senior officials from the Departments of Industries of all States and Union Territories to discuss their crucial role in advancing India's defence manufacturing ecosystem. It will also highlight ongoing national efforts to boost indigenisation, enhance defence exports, and promote investment in the sector. (ANI)