India is steadily achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence and emerging as a global manufacturing hub, thanks to the initiatives undertaken by the central government in recent years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2024.
Highlighting the shift in India’s defence strategy, PM Modi noted that there was a time when a significant portion of the defence budget was allocated to purchasing weapons and equipment from foreign suppliers. However, the current government has focused on bolstering indigenous manufacturing, transforming India into a self-reliant nation in defence.
The Prime Minister commended the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces for introducing positive indigenisation lists that restrict over 5,600 items to be sourced exclusively from Indian industries by set deadlines. This policy shift is aimed at enhancing domestic production and reducing dependence on imports.
PM Modi expressed pride that India, which once relied heavily on importing defence equipment, is now a defence exporter to numerous countries. He underscored the substantial progress made, with the country’s annual defence production reaching a record high of ₹1.27 lakh crore in the financial year 2023-24. In the same period, defence exports surged to ₹21,083 crore—a 32.5% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
In addition, the first quarter of FY 2024-25 witnessed a dramatic 78% rise in defence exports, totaling ₹6,915 crore, compared to ₹3,885 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Referencing India’s decisive responses to security threats, such as the 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 air strike, PM Modi emphasized that the country, once vulnerable to terror attacks, now stands strong and resolute. He praised the Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing role of women in various sectors, emphasizing that women are not just participants but are leading India’s progress. “Be it the Army, Navy, Air Force, or the space sector, we are witnessing the ever-growing Nari Shakti of our country,” he said.
PM Modi’s address underscored the government’s continued push for a self-reliant India, with defence at the forefront of this transformation.