Amit Shah highlights UP defence push, says BrahMos missiles give Pakistan 'sleepless nights'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing role in defence manufacturing, saying weapons being produced in the state were strengthening its industrial base and defence capabilities.

Speaking at the inauguration of the fourth edition of the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, Shah pointed to the BrahMos missile facility in Lucknow and the AK-203 rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi.

Shah highlights UP’s defence manufacturing push

Referring to the BrahMos facility in Lucknow, Shah said, “Today, the BrahMos missiles manufactured in UP give Pakistan sleepless nights; this is a prime indicator of the transformation taking place.”

He also cited the AK-203 assault rifles being produced in Amethi, saying, “Similarly, the AK-203 assault rifles made in Amethi are giving sleepless nights to Naxalites and terrorists alike.”

The BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow, part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, was inaugurated in May 2025. The first batch of missiles manufactured at the facility was flagged off in October 2025. The unit carries out assembly, integration and testing of the supersonic cruise missile.

Shah said investments were flowing into all six nodes of the state's Defence Industrial Corridor—Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Agra, Aligarh and Kanpur.

Shah credits trade policies for growth

The home minister also spoke about India's economic performance and export prospects, crediting the Narendra Modi government's economic and trade policies.

“Those with a jaundiced view cannot bear to see India's progress,” he said, adding that India had entered into Free Trade Agreements with several countries.

“These agreements have exponentially boosted our industries' export potential, and we have sustained our growth despite facing various adversities,” Shah said.

He also highlighted the One District, One Product initiative, saying it was opening up employment opportunities for young people within Uttar Pradesh instead of forcing them to look outside the state.

Law and order linked to investment

Shah also pointed to changes in Uttar Pradesh's law-and-order situation since the BJP came to power in 2017.

“There was a time when the mafia ruled UP. In 2017, the BJP formed the government here, with Yogi Adityanath assuming the role of CM. The Yogi government has successfully eliminated the mafia across the state, and this has created a conducive atmosphere for investment,” he said.

He further linked political stability with policy continuity, saying, “Political stability has become a hallmark of our leader, PM Modi. By earning the public's trust over 3 consecutive terms as Prime Minister, he has not only formulated policies but also ensured their consistent implementation on the ground,” Shah said.

UPITS 2026 is being held from September 25 to 29 and brings together manufacturers, MSMEs, exporters, artisans, startups, investors and international buyers. Organisers expect more than 2,400 exhibitors and over 550 international buyers from 85 countries.