PM Modi Calls for India to Lead in Next-Gen Defence Technology and Self-Reliance on Independence Day

On India's 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful address from the Red Fort, outlining a vision for 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047, with a strong emphasis on 'Raksha Shakti' (Defence Power) and technological self-reliance. He urged the nation to transcend its role as a mere market for global defence products and instead emerge as a prominent global supplier of next-generation defence technologies. Key areas of focus include indigenous development of drones, counter-drone systems, and leadership in hypersonic defence technologies. The Prime Minister highlighted the significant strides made in the defence sector over the past twelve years, noting a nearly fourfold increase in defence production and a remarkable fiftyfold surge in defence exports. This growth, he asserted, is a testament to the success of policy reforms initiated under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) campaign, which has fostered greater private sector participation and strengthened domestic manufacturing capabilities. Modi also touched upon the evolving nature of warfare, stressing the importance of protecting critical infrastructure like data centers through initiatives such as 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra'. Beyond traditional defence, the address also called for India to lead in next-generation communication technology, including the development of 'Made in India 6G'. The government's commitment to fostering a robust indigenous defence ecosystem is further supported by an increased Research and Development (R&D) budget, with a quarter of it now accessible to industry, startups, and academia to accelerate innovation. This comprehensive approach underscores India's ambition to achieve strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty in a rapidly changing global landscape.