Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s rapid expansion in defence manufacturing and exports during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday. He said defence production has quadrupled over the past 12 years, while defence exports have climbed nearly 50-fold. Indian weapons and military equipment now reach around 100 countries.
PM Modi called for stronger domestic capabilities in advanced defence technologies. He identified Raksha Shakti, or Defence Power, as the fifth stream of his ‘Sapta Dhara’ growth framework.
The Prime Minister urged India to develop drones, counter-drone systems and hypersonic defence technologies. He said the country must move beyond being an arms buyer and become a leading global defence supplier.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted cybersecurity as a growing security challenge. He said modern warfare can target critical infrastructure, including refineries, banks, data centres and factories. He stressed that national security requires collective responsibility from citizens, the government and armed forces.
PM Modi recalled Mission Sudarshan Chakra, announced last year, and said work on the initiative is progressing rapidly. He further announced plans to establish a modern and vibrant Civil Defence network.
The system will train citizens in advanced emergency protocols and create a large voluntary force capable of responding to contemporary security threats.
PM Modi highlighted progress in aviation and aerospace manufacturing. He said India has achieved notable success in developing Made in India passenger aircraft. He cited the successful maiden flight of the indigenous C-295 defence transport aircraft.
The Prime Minister said drones have played a major role in strengthening India’s emerging defence capabilities.
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