Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan on Tuesday to observe the Bharat Shakti exercise, highlighting the strength of domestically produced defence equipment across the army, navy, and air force.
Addressing the significance of self-reliance, PM Modi emphasized the need to reduce dependency on external sources for various sectors, ranging from essential commodities like edible oils to cutting-edge aircraft. He underscored Bharat’s focus on ‘atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance), stating that it’s pivotal for the nation’s development.
Highlighting the remarkable growth in defence production over the past decade, PM Modi noted that it has more than doubled, exceeding ₹1 lakh crore. He credited the youth for their pivotal role in this growth, mentioning the establishment of over 150 defence startups in the last decade. These startups have received orders worth ₹1,800 crore from the armed forces, contributing significantly to India’s self-sufficiency in the defence sector.
The Bharat Shakti exercise, an integrated tri-service firepower and manoeuvre drill, lasted approximately 50 minutes. PM Modi hailed Pokhran as a symbol of Bharat’s self-reliance, self-belief, and national pride, encapsulating the essence of ‘aatmanirbharta’.
During the exercise, various indigenous weapon systems were showcased, including T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons System, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules, ALH, and several unmanned aerial vehicles. The Bharatiya Navy demonstrated its prowess with Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Aerial Targets. Similarly, the Indian Air Force displayed its indigenous aircraft fleet, including the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters.
PM Modi described the sights and sounds of the exercise, including the roar of aircraft in the sky and the valour displayed on the ground, as the embodiment of ‘new India’. He reiterated the importance of self-reliance in fostering confidence within the armed forces, emphasizing that an ‘aatmanirbhar’ India in defence is synonymous with self-assurance in the nation’s capabilities.
The participation of PM Modi in the Bharat Shakti exercise underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering India’s indigenous defence capabilities, aligning with the broader vision of ‘atmanirbharta’ across sectors. The event serves as a testament to India’s growing prowess in multi-domain operations and showcases its determination to become a self-reliant global player in defence technology and manufacturing.
Comments