India’s Push for Self-Reliance in Defence Showcased at #BharatShakti

Image Source: Business Standard
In a landmark event held in Pokhran, Rajasthan, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi beheld a remarkable display of India’s defence prowess at the #BharatShakti exhibition. This showcase served as a testament to the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defence. Against the backdrop of the vast desert landscape, various indigenous weapon systems and platforms were demonstrated, underscoring India’s capability to develop and deploy advanced defence technologies. Aside from the fact that the event symbolized India’s military strength and marked a transformative shift towards reducing dependency on imports and fostering indigenous defence production.
Prime Minister Modi, in his address, placed significant emphasis on the concept of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliance) in defence. He highlighted the importance of India’s recent achievements, such as the successful test-firing of the AGNI missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. This technological feat showcases India’s growing prowess in missile technology and signifies the nation’s capability to develop sophisticated defence systems internally. By reducing reliance on imports and harnessing indigenous capabilities, India aims to bolster its defence preparedness while simultaneously advancing its domestic defence industry.
Acknowledging the crucial role played by the state of Rajasthan in defence, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that a developed Rajasthan would significantly strengthen India’s armed forces. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of defence personnel in the region, citing the benefits of One Rank One Pension (OROP). The implementation of OROP ensures that retired military personnel receive uniform pension payments, addressing longstanding grievances and enhancing the well-being of veterans. This reaffirms the government’s dedication to supporting those who have served the nation, further bolstering morale within the defence community.
The #BharatShakti exhibition showcased a diverse array of defence technologies, ranging from artillery systems to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), all developed indigenously. The demonstration highlighted India’s capability to innovate and produce cutting-edge defence equipment, thereby reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. This shift towards self-reliance not only strengthens India’s defence capabilities but also contributes to its broader goals of technological advancement and economic growth. By investing in indigenous defence production, India not only enhances its security but also creates employment opportunities and stimulates economic development.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi stressed the need for continuous innovation and research in defence technology. He emphasized the importance of nurturing a conducive environment for indigenous research and development (R&D) in defence, encouraging collaboration between the government, defence industry, and academic institutions. By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, India aims to emerge as a global leader in defence technology, capable of meeting its strategic requirements while also contributing to global peace and security.
The #BharatShakti exhibition served as a platform to showcase India’s achievements in defence manufacturing and technology development. From state-of-the-art combat vehicles to advanced electronic warfare systems, the exhibition demonstrated India’s diverse defence capabilities. Moreover, it provided an opportunity for domestic defence manufacturers to showcase their products and capabilities to potential customers, both domestic and international. This not only promotes indigenous defence production but also enhances India’s position as a reliable supplier of defence equipment in the global market.
In addition to showcasing existing capabilities, the #BharatShakti exhibition also served as a catalyst for future growth and innovation in the defence sector. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive ecosystem for defence manufacturing and technology development. This includes initiatives such as the ‘Make in India’ program, which aims to promote indigenous manufacturing across various sectors, including defence. By incentivizing domestic production and facilitating technology transfer, the government seeks to attract investment and facilitate the growth of the domestic defence industry.
The #BharatShakti exhibition underscored India’s determination to achieve self-reliance in defence and showcased the nation’s growing prowess in developing advanced defence technologies. Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India in defence resonates with the nation’s aspirations for security, prosperity, and global leadership. By harnessing indigenous capabilities, fostering innovation, and promoting domestic manufacturing, India is poised to emerge as a key player in the global defence arena, capable of safeguarding its interests and contributing to regional and global security.
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