THE NEWS FREEDOM
POKHRAN(RAJASTHAN), MARCH 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the military prowess displayed during a military “Bharat Shakti” exercise, hailing it as emblematic of “New India.” He underscored the event as a reflection of India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, particularly in defense, drawing parallels to Pokhran’s historical significance in both nuclear testing and showcasing indigenous strength. Attending the exercise, Modi witnessed live firing and maneuvers utilizing domestically manufactured weaponry and equipment. Highlighting the successful test-firing of the advanced AGNI missile with MIRV technology, a rare accomplishment globally, he stressed its contribution to bolstering India’s self-sufficiency in defense capabilities.
He stressed the importance of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” for achieving India’s vision of a developed nation (“Viksit Bharat”). He pointed out India’s growing self-sufficiency in various sectors, from essential goods to fighter jets.
The Prime Minister listed various examples of India’s defense capabilities built through domestic production, including tanks, cannons, fighter jets, helicopters, and missile systems. He expressed his elation at witnessing the success of “Made in India” efforts in arms, ammunition, communication systems, cyber technology, and space exploration. He specifically mentioned advanced equipment like Tejas fighter jets, light combat helicopters, submarines, and Arjun tanks.
Prime Minister Modi outlined various initiatives to achieve self-reliance in defense. These included policy reforms, increased involvement of the private sector, and encouraging Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in defense production. He mentioned the establishment of defense corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with an investment of Rs 7,000 crore. He also highlighted the launch of Asia’s largest helicopter factory in India.
The Prime Minister commended the Indian armed forces for identifying items that can be eliminated from import lists and supporting domestic production of those items. He expressed satisfaction with the procurement of Rs 6 lakh crore worth of equipment from Indian companies in the past decade. He also noted the doubling of India’s defense production to over Rs 1 lakh crore during the same period. He highlighted the growth of defense startups, with over 150 established in the last 10 years and receiving Rs 1,800 crore in orders from the armed forces.
रक्षा के क्षेत्र में आत्मनिर्भर होता भारत हमारी सेनाओं में आत्मविश्वास की भी गारंटी है। pic.twitter.com/DN58t0Aaoi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 12, 2024