Self-Reliant Defence Industry Marks India’s Strategic Security Ascent

In democracies, citizens rightly demand a high standard of delivery in services, especially for the unserved and underserved.

India’s test is exacting, no slogan survives without substance, no claim without consequence.

Real transformation must reach the last person because in our democracy, Antyodaya—the welfare of the last—is not just a principle but a voter’s reality.

One year into Modi 3.0, the emphatic electoral mandates in Delhi, Maharashtra and Haryana are not merely political victories but a reaffirmation that delivery, not rhetoric, earns public trust.

India’s flagship programmes, anchored in the philosophy of ‘Sarvodaya through Antyodaya’, ensure no Indian is left behind.

Further, over 25 crore people have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) has disbursed more than ₹3.68 lakh crore to upwards of 11 crore farmers, reinforcing rural livelihoods.

Initiatives like ‘Lakhpati Didi’ have empowered over one crore rural women to surpass annual incomes of ₹1 lakh, enhancing women’s economic agency.

The government has sanctioned nearly three crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, providing secure homes to the underprivileged.

The Jal Jeevan Mission has connected over 15.44 crore rural households with tap water, transforming daily lives.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) now extends free health coverage of ₹5 lakh annually to all citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income, benefiting approximately six crore senior citizens and bolstering health security.

The scheme also includes frontline community health workers, broadening its reach.

Strategic Self-Reliance & Defence Modernisation

The government matches its political resolve with strategic investments in self-reliance.

Years of focus on indigenising defence production enabled Operation Sindoor’s swift precision.

Since 2014, India’s defence manufacturing has modernised rapidly, with exports surging significantly.

Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, key reforms like the Defence Acquisition Procedure, Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy, and 100% FDI allowance in select sectors have enabled Indian firms to thrive.

The introduction of two Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for drones and components has further accelerated next-generation innovation.

Indian-designed missile systems, armoured vehicles and naval platforms now serve domestically and are exported to over 80 countries.

This reinforces India’s image as a dependable regional security provider at a time when global trust in defence partners is paramount.

Manufacturing stands central to India’s vision. The semiconductor sector, buoyed by major investments and government incentives, is growing swiftly.

Tata Electronics is constructing a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor assembly and testing plant in Assam, expected to begin operations by mid-2025, creating around 27,000 jobs.

Meanwhile, a ₹3,706 crore joint venture between HCL and Foxconn will establish a semiconductor facility in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, focusing on display driver chips, with production slated to start in 2027.

Entrepreneurial Surge

India boasts the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 1.57 lakh recognised startups, including more than 100 unicorns and 3,600 deep-tech ventures in AI, biotech, and semiconductors.

The space sector alone has fostered over 200 startups, signalling a confident innovation economy.

These startups have created over 17.2 lakh direct jobs, igniting a new generation of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers.

India has also quietly become the world’s most connected democracy, with more than 80 crore internet users and 136 crore Aadhaar enrolments, making it the largest digital identity programme globally.

It accounts for 46% of global digital payments, powered by platforms like UPI, which have democratised financial transactions and enhanced governance through transparency and speed.

Budget & Growth Trajectory

The 2024-25 budget reflected the government’s decisiveness, with total expenditure at ₹44.6 lakh crore and capital outlay raised to a record ₹10 lakh crore.

The government widened tax exemptions, doubled middle-class rebates, and abolished the angel tax, which had long concerned startups.

These reforms aim to consolidate consumption, spur entrepreneurship, and cement India’s long-term growth trajectory.

One year into Modi 3.0, the momentum is unmistakable. Roads, factories, and solar panels are more than signs of progress; they are the foundations of aspiration.

In every sphere—economic, social, and strategic—India is scripting a new chapter of national renewal.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the decisive decade is well underway.

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