Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India is becoming ‘Aatmanirbhar’ in Defence manufacturing. He announced that the country is emerging as a global manufacturing hub thanks to recent government actions.
During his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, Modi highlighted past reliance on foreign defence equipment. He noted that much of the Defence budget used to go towards purchasing weapons and equipment from abroad.
Now, the focus has shifted to indigenous manufacturing. The government aims to make India self-reliant in Defence production.
Modi praised the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces for their proactive decisions. Over 5,600 items are being or will be procured exclusively from Indian industries by set deadlines.
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India, once fully dependent on imported Defence equipment, is now exporting to many countries. Annual Defence production reached a record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24.
In the same fiscal year, Defence exports soared to a record Rs 21,083 crore. This marks a 32.5 percent increase from FY 2022-23.
The Ministry of Defence reported a significant rise in Defence exports for the first quarter of FY 2024-25. Exports reached Rs 6,915 crore, up 78 percent from Rs 3,885 crore in the same quarter of FY 2023-24.
Modi also reflected on past challenges, stating that India was once a victim of terror attacks. However, today the country is strong and resilient with becoming ‘Aatmanirbhar’ in Defence. He commended the Armed Forces for their effective responses to threats against national sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
He expressed pride in India’s brave soldiers who serve selflessly. Modi also praised the growing role of women, or “Nari Shakti,” in various sectors including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and space industry.