PM witnesses 'Bharat Shakti': Showcasing Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed a demonstration of India's indigenous defence capabilities during the tri-services live-fire and manoeuvre exercise 'Bharat Shakti' in Pokhran, Rajasthan today. The exercise showcased a range of Indian-made weapon systems and platforms, reflecting the country's progress towards self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in defence.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi praised the display of valour and skill, calling it a testament to "New India's resolve." He drew a parallel between Pokhran's role in India's nuclear programme and the current demonstration of strength through indigenisation.

The Prime Minister highlighted India's recent successful test-firing of the long-range AGNI missile with advanced MIRV technology, a feat achieved by only a select few nations. He emphasised the importance of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence, stating, "A developed India (Viksit Bharat) is inconceivable without a self-reliant India."

PM Modi outlined various steps taken to achieve self-sufficiency in defence, including policy reforms, private sector participation, and encouraging MSMEs and startups. He mentioned the defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with investments of Rs 7,000 crore, and the establishment of Asia's largest helicopter factory in India. He commended the armed forces' chiefs for identifying items that can be indigenously produced and lauded their support for domestic defence ecosystems.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that in the last decade, equipment worth Rs 6 lakh crore has been procured from Indian companies, leading to a doubling of domestic defence production to over Rs 1 lakh crore. He also noted the emergence of over 150 defence startups in the past ten years, receiving orders worth Rs 1,800 crore from the armed forces.

"Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence guarantees self-confidence in our armed forces," PM Modi asserted. He emphasised the morale boost soldiers experience when wielding indigenously made equipment during wartime. He listed India's achievements in the past decade, including developing its own fighter jets, aircraft carriers, C295 transport aircraft, and advanced flight engines. He also highlighted the recent Cabinet decision to design and manufacture fifth-generation fighter aircraft within India, signifying the potential for future growth and job creation in the defence sector.

Contrasting the pre-2014 era marked by defence corruption scandals ammunition shortages, and a decline in ordnance factories, PM Modi highlighted the positive changes under his leadership. This includes the corporatization of ordnance factories into seven large companies and the revitalization of HAL, transforming it into a profit-making entity. He also mentioned the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) position, the establishment of the National War Memorial, and the focus on strengthening border infrastructure.

The Prime Minister spoke with pride about the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP), stating, "Families of service personnel have experienced the true meaning of Modi's guarantee." He informed the audience that 1.75 lakh defence personnel from Rajasthan have benefited from Rs 5,000 crore distributed under the OROP scheme.

PM Modi emphasised the correlation between a nation's economic strength and the prowess of its armed forces. He envisioned India's rise as the world's third-largest economy leading to a further enhancement of its defence capabilities. Appreciating Rajasthan's role in this journey, he stated, "A developed Rajasthan will contribute to a developed military (Viksit Sena)."

The event was attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Manoj Pandey, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar.

Bharat Shakti' serves as a powerful symbol of India's growing self-reliance in defence. It demonstrates the nation's commitment to developing a robust domestic defence industry and equipping its armed forces with cutting-edge technology.