Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation in the 115th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat', asserted that India is scaling new heights in defence production. He made the remarks on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, which commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War.
Kargil Vijay Diwas and National Pride
Referring to the significance of the day, the Prime Minister said, 'There are certain days in people's lives that do not require a calendar to be remembered.' He highlighted how the Kargil conflict showcased the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces. The day serves as a reminder of the nation's resolve to protect its sovereignty.
Modi emphasized that the spirit of Kargil continues to inspire the country's defence sector. He noted that India is not only boosting its defence manufacturing capabilities but also becoming a hub for exports. The government has taken several initiatives to promote indigenous production under the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaigns.
Growth in Defence Production
The Prime Minister pointed out that defence production in India has reached record levels in recent years. While he did not provide specific figures during the broadcast, official data indicates a steady rise. According to the Ministry of Defence, the value of defence production in the country crossed the ₹1 lakh crore mark for the first time in the fiscal year 2022-23. The government aims to achieve a turnover of ₹1.75 lakh crore in defence manufacturing by 2025.
Modi credited the armed forces and the defence industry for this achievement. He stated that the government has simplified policies and created a conducive environment for private sector participation. This includes the introduction of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 and the launch of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework.
Empowering the Private Sector
The Prime Minister underlined the role of small and medium enterprises in the defence ecosystem. He mentioned that startups and MSMEs are now contributing to the design and development of advanced technologies. The government has reserved several items for procurement from domestic sources, which has given a boost to local manufacturers.
Modi also highlighted the increasing exports of defence equipment. India now exports to over 75 countries, with items ranging from ammunition to aircraft components. The target for defence exports in the current financial year is set at ₹16,000 crore, reflecting a significant jump from previous years.
Achievements in Indigenous Platforms
The Prime Minister cited examples of indigenous platforms that have strengthened India's defence capabilities. These include the light combat aircraft Tejas, the main battle tank Arjun, the artillery gun Dhanush, and the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant. He said that such projects demonstrate India's technological prowess and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Modi also touched upon the recent induction of the Rafale fighter jets and the commissioning of the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. However, he stressed that the focus remains on developing homegrown solutions.
Conclusion
In his address, PM Modi called upon the youth to take pride in the country's defence achievements and consider careers in the sector. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to making India a global defence manufacturing hub. 'When we talk about new heights in defence production, it is not just about numbers. It is about the confidence and capability of our nation,' he said.
