Prime Minister Narendra Modi has identified ‘Raksha Shakti,’ or defence strength, as a crucial pillar for achieving the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) by 2047. In his address from the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s Independence Day in 2026, the Prime Minister emphasized the imperative of self-reliance in defence and positioned India to become a global supplier of advanced defence technologies.
Defence Self-Reliance Stressed
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Prime Minister Modi stated there is no viable alternative to achieving self-sufficiency in defence. He cautioned against India remaining merely a market for global defence products, especially as nations increasingly prioritize their own interests. The Prime Minister called for the nation to develop drone and counter-drone systems and to assume a leading role in hypersonic defence technologies.
Reinforcing the government’s commitment to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, Prime Minister Modi asserted that India must move beyond dependence on other countries. He acknowledged that while foreign options might appear cheaper and faster, they do not foster indigenous capabilities or test national strength. Therefore, he stressed the importance of enhancing domestic capacities and safeguarding national interests independently. The Prime Minister noted the positive public reception to initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ ‘Swadeshi,’ and ‘Vocal for Local,’ indicating a growing national alignment with these principles.
Cybersecurity and Evolving Warfare
The Prime Minister also highlighted cybersecurity as a significant defence domain where the nation can leverage the talent of its youth for both national and global benefit. He underscored the necessity of focusing on indigenous defence equipment while simultaneously bolstering the capabilities of the armed forces to remain prepared for the dynamic global security environment.
Prime Minister Modi described the changing nature of warfare, where conflicts are not necessarily confined to borders. He pointed out that modern warfare can target critical infrastructure such as refineries, banking systems, and data centers, representing a new form of combat aimed at destroying infrastructure and industrial assets. He referenced the previously announced ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra,’ stating that work on this initiative is progressing rapidly.
Defence Sector Transformation and Global Standing
Highlighting the significant strides made in the defence sector over the past 12 years, the Prime Minister reported a nearly fourfold increase in defence production. Defence exports have also seen a substantial rise, increasing by approximately 50 times, with Indian defence equipment reaching about 100 countries worldwide. This growth, he stated, demonstrates India’s preparedness for any situation, whether domestic or international, and is contributing to its enhanced reputation on the global stage.
Civil Defence and Nari Shakti’s Role
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that ensuring a secure India is a collective responsibility of all citizens, urging for heightened preparedness to address emerging threats. He noted that existing civil defence systems, designed for past conflicts, have become outdated. The government plans to establish a dynamic network of civil defence, equipped with modern systems and comprising a substantial voluntary force to confront contemporary challenges.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the increasing contribution of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) to nation-building, including within the Defence Forces. He cited the example of women graduating from the National Defence Academy demonstrating their capacity to lead the nation’s military with confidence and authority.
The Chenab Times News Desk