Prime Minister Modi Showcases India s Defence Might and Self Reliance at Bharat Shakti Exercise in Pokhran
Prime Minister Modi Showcases India's Defence Might and Self-Reliance at 'Bharat Shakti' Exercise in Pokhran
Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed 'Bharat Shakti', a tri-services live fire and manoeuvre exercise demonstrating indigenous defence capabilities in Pokhran, Rajasthan. This event marked a significant display of India's self-reliance in defence, as highlighted by the Prime Minister's address emphasising the nation's journey towards Aatmanirbharta and self-confidence in the armed forces.
During the exercise, Modi highlighted Pokhran as a testament to India's self-reliance, recalling its history as the site of India's nuclear tests and now, the demonstration of indigenisation in defence. He touched upon the successful test firing of the long-range AGNI missile equipped with advanced MIRV technology, noting India's entry into an elite group of countries with such capabilities.
Modi stressed that the vision of a developed India is intertwined with the principle of self-reliance, especially in defence needs, which is critical for bolstering the armed forces' confidence. He elaborated on the progress made in achieving self-reliance, from edible oils to fighter jets, and highlighted the success of indigenously produced tanks, cannons, fighter jets, helicopters, and missile systems.
The Prime Minister detailed steps taken towards self-reliance in the defence sector, including policy reforms, private sector engagement, MSME startups encouragement, and investments in defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. He proudly noted that equipment worth Rs 6 lakh crore has been procured from Indian companies over the past decade, doubling the country's defence production to more than Rs 1 lakh crore.
Addressing the recent decision to develop and manufacture 5th generation fighter jets domestically, Modi envisioned a robust growth in the defence sector, offering ample employment opportunities. He contrasted the current achievements with the past, highlighting the transition from being the largest defence importer to becoming a notable defence exporter, with an eight-fold increase in defence exports since 2014.
Modi also touched upon the corporatisation of ordnance factories, HAL's turnaround, the establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the War Memorial, and border infrastructure development. He underscored the significance of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) implementation, benefiting 1.75 lakh defence personnel in Rajasthan with Rs 5,000 crores.
The Prime Minister concluded by linking the nation's economic strength to the armed forces' prowess, stating that a developed Rajasthan will bolster a developed army. The event was attended by Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh, and chiefs of the tri-services, among others.
'Bharat Shakti' featured an array of indigenous weapon systems, including T-90 tanks, Dhanush and Sarang gun systems, Akash weapons system, and various UAVs, demonstrating India's advanced ground warfare, aerial surveillance, and maritime strength.