Karnataka principal secretary to PM visits HAL in Bengaluru and reviews progress on indigenous defence projects
Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru saw a high-level visit on Tuesday as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, P K Mishra, reviewed key indigenous defence projects at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The visit reflects the Centre’s continued focus on strengthening India’s self-reliant defence capabilities and scaling up production of domestically manufactured aircraft.
Mishra was received by HAL Chairman and Managing Director D K Sunil and other board members. He toured the LCA Mk 2 hangar at the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC), followed by inspections at the LCA Tejas Assembly Hangar and the Aerospace Division. During the tour, HAL showcased six LCA Mk 1A fighters and two Mk 1 trainers, and briefed the visiting dignitary on the ongoing production status of the Tejas Mk 1A program.
Officials reaffirmed HAL’s readiness to lead complex multi-stakeholder defence programs, underlining its role in the national agenda of indigenous manufacturing. This visit comes shortly after Mishra’s inspection of major infrastructure developments in Gujarat. On June 16, he reviewed the Ahmedabad-Dholera Greenfield Expressway, which aims to reduce travel time between the two cities to 45 minutes. He emphasized the need for timely completion with adherence to global construction standards.
He also evaluated progress at the upcoming Dholera International Airport, expected to begin cargo operations by October 2025. Additionally, Mishra visited Tata Electronics’ semiconductor fabrication site, a cornerstone of India’s domestic chip manufacturing efforts. The facility is expected to support sectors including consumer electronics, mobile devices, and automotive technologies.
At Dholera, he assessed social infrastructure developed by Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL), including schools, hospitals, and residential areas. Chairing a multi-agency review meeting, Mishra reiterated the government’s commitment to developing Dholera into a smart industrial hub with global benchmarks.
He also stressed the importance of skilled manpower and integrated planning for the long-term success of the region’s strategic and infrastructure projects.
