Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi experienced a coordinated exhibition of India’s homegrown defense capabilities during a Tri-Services Live Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The Bharat Shakti event showcased a range of domestically produced weapons systems and platforms, highlighting the nation’s strength and innovation under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
In his speech, Modi underscored the significance of the demonstration, portraying it as a reflection of New India’s courage and expertise. “Pokhran has once again borne witness to the confluence of India’s self-reliance, self-assurance, and grandeur,” he remarked. He also drew a parallel to the historic nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran, emphasizing the showcase of indigenous strength.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the successful test of the AGNI missile with advanced MIRV technology, noting that only a few countries possess such cutting-edge capabilities. This achievement represents a milestone for India’s self-reliance in defense.
Stressing the essential role of self-reliance in the vision of a developed India, Modi pointed out the broad spectrum of indigenous efforts, from edible oils to fighter jets. The country’s self-sufficiency in defense is evident through its tanks, cannons, fighter jets, helicopters, and missile systems, embodying India’s might. The Prime Minister expressed pride in the indigenous production of Tejas fighter jets, light combat helicopters, submarines, destroyers, aircraft carriers, and advanced Arjun Tanks, among other equipment.
Detailing the initiatives for bolstering India’s defense self-reliance, Modi mentioned policy reforms, collaboration with the private sector, and support for MSME startups. He highlighted the establishment of defense corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, attracting investments and the inauguration of Asia’s largest helicopter factory in India.PM Mod praised the armed forces for their commitment to supporting the Indian defense ecosystem and highlighted significant procurement from Indian companies, doubling defense production and fostering over 150 defense startups.
Modi noted the indigenously produced fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and advanced technology achievements, emphasizing the correlation between self-reliance in defense and the armed forces’ confidence. With the decision to manufacture 5th-generation fighter jets domestically, he envisioned robust growth in the defense sector and increased job opportunities.
PM Modi celebrated the impact of the One Rank One Pension scheme on military families and acknowledged the significant contribution of defense personnel from Rajasthan. He linked the nation’s economic progress to its defense capabilities, envisioning a solid future for India’s armed forces supported by a thriving economy.
Recalling the era of defense imports, Modi highlighted India’s transition to a defense exporter with a substantial export increase. He also touched upon the transformation of ordnance factories, revitalization of HAL, and strategic reforms, including creating the War Memorial, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and enhanced border infrastructure.
Notable figures, including the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, the Union Minister for Defence, and the Chiefs of the Defence Staff, along with other dignitaries, attended the event in Pokhran.
This display of ‘Bharat Shakti’ in Pokhran demonstrates the seamless, multi-domain operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, underscoring the resilience, innovation, and strength of India’s defense sector on the global stage.
The ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise served as a vivid illustration of India’s readiness to address and surmount both present and future threats with indigenous solutions, spotlighting the resilience, creativity, and strength of the country’s defense capabilities worldwide. This event underscores the significant strides India has made towards achieving self-reliance in defense, showcasing the might, operational excellence, and innovative spirit of the Indian Armed Forces alongside the dedication and ingenuity of the national defense industry.
“This display of ‘Bharat Shakti’ in Pokhran demonstrates the seamless, multi-domain operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, underscoring the resilience, innovation, and strength of India’s defense sector on the global stage”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The exercise featured key components and weapon systems, including the T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush, Sarang Gun Systems, and the Akash Weapons System, representing the Indian Army’s advanced ground warfare and aerial surveillance capabilities. The Indian Navy highlighted its maritime strength and technological advancement by demonstrating naval anti-ship missiles, Autonomous Cargo-Carrying Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Aerial Targets. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force showcased its air superiority and versatility by deploying indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters.
By conducting ‘Bharat Shakti,’ India demonstrated its comprehensive operational capabilities across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains and reaffirmed its commitment to self-reliance in defense. This commitment is embodied in the diverse array of indigenously developed and manufactured equipment, from ground vehicles and aerial systems to advanced naval technologies designed to ensure the nation’s security and strategic interests.
The emphasis on indigenous production and the push towards self-reliance in defense aligns with the broader national objectives of economic growth, technological advancement, and strategic autonomy. Through initiatives such as policy reforms, private sector engagement, MSME startup encouragement, and significant investments in defense infrastructure, India aims to reduce its dependence on foreign military hardware and foster a robust, self-sustaining defense ecosystem.
This transformative journey from being one of the world’s largest importers of defense equipment to emerging as a critical defense exporter is a testament to the nation’s progress and potential. The increased emphasis on indigenous development and manufacturing not only enhances the operational readiness and self-confidence of the Indian Armed Forces but also contributes to the nation’s global reputation and economic growth.
The Prime Minister listed measures for making India self-reliant in the defense sector. He mentioned policy reforms roping in the private sector and encouraging MSME startups in the field. He discussed defense corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and informed about Rs. 7,000 crore investment.
Modi expressed happiness that in the last 10 years, equipment worth Rs 6 lakh crore has been procured from Indian companies. During this period, the country’s defense production doubled to over Rs 1 lakh crore. In the last 10 years, more than 150 defense startups have started, and the defense forces have given them orders worth Rs. 1,800 crores.
As India continues to chart its path towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the success of ‘Bharat Shakti’ and the ongoing efforts to bolster the country’s defense capabilities signal a promising future for national security and the defense sector’s growth. This approach secures India’s borders and strategic interests and paves the way for innovation, job creation, and a more robust, resilient national economy.
