CM Mohan Charan Majhi with defence minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Tuesday

BHUBANESWAR: CM Mohan Charan Majhi met defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday to discuss the state’s growing importance in India’s defence infrastructure and strategic capabilities.During what Majhi described as a “productive” meeting, they discussed opportunities to strengthen national security and enhance the state’s role in defence production. The discussions focused on Odisha’s strategic significance, given its 480-km coastline and three major ports at Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur.“Discussed key issues related to defence infrastructure and Odisha’s strategic importance. Grateful for his support and commitment to strengthening national security,” Majhi posted on X after the meeting, highlighting the collaborative approach towards enhancing India’s defence capabilities.The eastern state has emerged as a crucial centre for defence technology, housing several vital installations, including the Defence Research and Development Organization’s Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. The facility serves as a testing ground for India’s premier missile systems, including Agni, Prithvi, Akash, and BrahMos. Adding to its military-industrial capabilities are the Badmal ordnance factory in Balangir district and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s MiG facility at Sunabeda, Koraput. The state has also witnessed increased private sector participation in defence manufacturing.Sources familiar with the meeting indicated that discussions also covered potential investments in aerospace and defence production in Odisha, which is a priority sector under the state’s industrial policy.After Odisha approved the aerospace and defence sector as among thrust sectors in 2022, which get maximum govt incentives, there are some remarkable investments lined up.Aerospace parts production unit likely in DhenkanalLeading the defence sector investment in Odisha is Kalyani Steel Limited, which has signed an MoU with Odisha for a titanium metal and aerospace components manufacturing facility with an investment of more than Rs 20,000 crore in Dhenkanal district. Land finalisation and forest clearance process is on for the project with employment potential of 8,200, officials said.PTC Industries is coming up with a titanium sponge plant with an investment of Rs 3,000 crore in Ganjam, while Premier Explosives Limited is investing Rs 864 crore in Rayagada for a hydroxyl terminated poly butadiene (HTPB), a crucial material in defence applications.