Overview

• Addressing the inaugural session, the defence minister praised the Jain community’s contributions to nation-building, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
• He cited the community’s small population share—under 0.5%—and claimed it contributes about 24% of India’s total tax collection.
• Singh highlighted heritage measures benefiting the community, noting the return of over 20 stolen Tirthankara idols and Prakrit’s recognition as a classical language.
• Invoking Mahavira’s principles of non-violence, truth and non-possessiveness, he urged citizens to align with India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
• He underscored indigenous defence gains, naming Tejas, Akash, Arjun and Prachand as examples, as the three-day expo showcases 600+ stalls at HITEX and HICC with high-profile speakers and performances.