Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified his criticism of the Opposition, blaming them for decades of neglect in the defence sector. Speaking at the Bharat Shakti exercise, Modi accused previous governments of failing to address corruption in military deals, relying heavily on foreign suppliers, and undermining state-run defence companies.
Modi highlighted the absence of a chief of defence staff after the 1999 Kargil war, delayed construction of a war memorial, inadequate border infrastructure development, and the failure to implement one rank, one pension (OROP) for former soldiers. He emphasized that his government, over the last decade, has addressed these issues, labeling it as “Modi ki guarantee.”
The Prime Minister asserted that before his government came into power in 2014, defence deals were neglected. He criticized the previous regime for the decline of institutions like the Ordnance Factory Board and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which his administration has worked to revive and make profitable.
At the Bharat Shakti exercise, which showcased integrated offensive operations using indigenous equipment, Modi celebrated India’s self-reliance in defence. He referred to the successful test of the Agni-5 missile with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology, highlighting India’s technological advancements in strategic deterrence.
Modi stressed the importance of self-reliance in defence, linking it to Bharat’s economic growth. He outlined various government initiatives aimed at boosting indigenous defence manufacturing, including policy reforms, increased foreign direct investment, and improved ease of doing business.
The government’s focus on domestic procurement was underscored, with approximately ₹1 lakh crore allocated for India-made weapons and systems in the 2023-24 defence budget. This represents a significant increase from previous years, signaling a commitment to bolstering self-reliance in defence.
The Bharat Shakti exercise demonstrated Bharat’s progress towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Through simulated offensive operations, the exercise showcased Bharat’s capabilities and advancements in the sector, lasting just 50 minutes but leaving a strong impression of Bharat’s defence prowess.
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