For example, in the statement on defence preparedness, I have mentioned about our new production factories. There, we have certainly arranged and implemented to whatever extent we can the rupee expenditure, in developing the local sites or to develop water supply and other matters that we need for them. But, ultimately, it depends upon what did we are likely to get or what foreign exchange we can afford to spend to get the needed manufacturing plants.
My hon. friend, Shri Nath Pal asked how it was that so many missions had gone, and he asked what they had done. That only shows our intention of getting help from wherever we can. We have not shown any inhibitions about it. We have gone to the West, and we have gone to the East, because we are in such a situation when we must get help from every friend, from whichever friend can help us, but we cannot expect all the friends to give us all that we want; they have their own political difficulties, or whatever other difficulties there may be; so, we must accept gratefully whatever they give, and try to get more if we can. Therefore, it should not be misunderstood that we are not making any efforts. I can tell my hon. friend that no doubt missions have gone, but several missions have also succeeded in some matters. While it is true that they have not succeeded one hundred per cent - it is difficult to succeed one hundred per cent in getting aid from others— they have succeeded in some matters. I would submit that in strengthening our defence apparatus it takes a long time to prepare: it cannot be done, overnight. If necessary, I Shall not hesitate to go-not that I am very keen to go anywhere.
Though we are getting all help, let us not forget one thing. I must take an objective view of things. As far as defence production is concerned, as far as the defence requirements are concerned, we are not going for aid for everything. There is a considerable base of production here in our country, of our own, in certain, matters, as for instance, in regard to general stores etc. Certainly, for sophisticated weapons or some sort of weaponry and ammunition etc. we have to go in for aid, and the necessary machinery to produce those things; naturally, we have to do that.
I must say here, whatever criticism may have been made by other people it would be unfair and ungrateful on my part, if I did not make a mention of the fact that we must recognise the work in this particular field of my predecessor, Shri. Krishna Menon. It was he who for the first time gave emphasis on organising the local production in this country, as far the defence preparation was concerned. It would be an ungrateful attitude if we do not recognise that. I am saying this, because, as I have said, I am taking a sort of objective attitude about this matter. It is necessary that we must recognise that he did it. In the field of aeronautics, we have got a certain production base. In the case of transport also, I can say that the production of the Shaktiman and the Nisan trucks has solved our problems of transport to some considerable length. So, we must give credit where credit is due.
