Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi bore witness to a spectacular display of indigenous defence capabilities during a Tri-Services Live Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise held in Pokhran, Rajasthan. Dubbed ‘Bharat Shakti’, the event showcased a diverse array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms, underscoring the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbharata initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi hailed the valour and skills demonstrated during the exercise as emblematic of the spirit of ‘new India’. He remarked, “Today, once again, Pokhran stands witness to the Triveni of India’s Aatmnirbharta, self-confidence, and glory.” Reflecting on Pokhran’s historical significance, he noted its transition from witnessing India’s nuclear tests to showcasing the power of indigenous strength in defence.
Prime Minister Modi lauded the recent test firing of the long-range AGNI missile equipped with advanced MIRV technology, positioning India among a select few countries possessing such capabilities. He emphasized that such advancements underscore India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence and further enhance its strategic prowess on the global stage.
Highlighting the integral role of Aatmanirbharata in the nation’s defence strategy, Prime Minister Modi stressed the need to reduce dependence on imports and prioritize indigenous production across various sectors. He cited examples of indigenously developed tanks, cannons, fighter jets, submarines, and missile systems, symbolizing India’s growing strength in defence manufacturing.
Enumerating the steps taken to bolster indigenous defence production, Prime Minister Modi mentioned policy reforms, private sector participation, and the nurturing of MSME startups in the sector. He highlighted the establishment of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, along with significant investments therein, as key initiatives aimed at fostering domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Expressing pride in India’s transition from being a major defence importer to an emerging exporter, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the transformative changes witnessed in the defence sector since 2014. He credited initiatives such as the corporatization of ordnance factories, revitalization of HAL, and implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) for the well-being of defence personnel and their families.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the interplay between the nation’s economic strength and its defence prowess, envisioning a future where India’s economic ascent propels its defence capabilities to greater heights. Acknowledging the role of Rajasthan in this journey, he asserted that a developed Rajasthan would bolster India’s armed forces, reaffirming his commitment to the nation’s security and prosperity.
The event saw the presence of the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pandey, Chief of Air Force Staff, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, among other dignitaries, showcasing the collective resolve towards advancing India’s defence capabilities.
