‘Exercise Bharat Shakti’ in Pokhran
Bharat that is becoming self-reliant in defence needs also ensures confidence in our armed forces
What we witnessed here today, the valour of our three forces is remarkable. The thunder in the sky… the bravery on the ground… the victory chant echoing in all directions… this is the call of New Bharat. Today, our Pokhran once again stands witness to Bharat’s self-reliance, self-confidence, and self-esteem. This is the Pokhran that has witnessed Bharat’s nuclear power, and it is here that we witness the empowerment through indigenization. Today, the entire nation celebrates the festival of Bharat’s strength from the land of valour in Rajasthan, but its echoes are not just heard in Bharat, they resonate throughout the world.
Friends,
Just yesterday, Bharat successfully tested the Agni-5 missile equipped with MIRV modern technology, capable of long-range strikes. Very few countries in the world possess such advanced technology, such modern capability. This is another significant stride towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in the defence sector.
Friends,
The vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), without ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) is simply not possible. For Bharat to progress, we must reduce our dependence on others. Therefore, today Bharat is emphasizing self-reliance in every field, from edible oil to modern fighter jets. This event today is a part of that resolve. Today, the success of Make in India is evident before us. The roar you hear from our cannons, tanks, combat aircraft, helicopters, missile systems – this is ‘Bharat Shakti’ (the power of India). From weapons and ammunition to communication equipment, cyber, and space, we are experiencing the flight of Made in India – this is ‘Bharat Shakti’. Our pilots are flying Tejas fighter jets, advanced light helicopters, light combat helicopters made entirely in Bharat – this is ‘Bharat Shakti’. Our sailors are sailing across the waves in Indian-made frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers – this is ‘Bharat Shakti’. Our soldiers in the army are safeguarding the nation’s borders with modern Arjun tanks and artillery made in Bharat- this is ‘Bharat Shakti’.
Friends,
Over the past 10 years, we have taken significant steps, one after another, to make the country self-reliant in the defence sector. We have improved at the policy level, implemented reforms, involved the private sector, and encouraged MSMEs and start-ups. Today, defence corridors are being established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. More than 7,000 crore rupees have been invested in these corridors so far. Today, Asia’s largest helicopter manufacturing factory has begun operations in Bharat. And today, I congratulate all three armed forces as well. Our armed forces compiled a list of hundreds of weapons and decided that they will no longer import them from abroad. Our armed forces supported the Indian ecosystem for these weapons. I am pleased to announce that hundreds of military equipment are now being purchased from Indian companies for our armed forces. In the last 10 years, defence equipment worth nearly 6 lakh crore rupees have been purchased from indigenous companies. In these 10 years, the country’s defence production has more than doubled, exceeding 1 lakh crore rupees. And our youth are also playing an important role. Over the past 10 years, more than 150 new defence start-ups have been launched. Our armed forces have decided to place orders worth 1,800 crore rupees with these start-ups.
Friends,
Bharat that is becoming self-reliant in defence needs also ensures confidence in our armed forces. During times of war, when the armed forces know that the weapons they are using are their own, they never fall short, their energy multiplies several times. In the past 10 years, Bharat has developed its own combat aircraft. Bharat has built its own aircraft carrier. ‘C-295’ transport aircraft are being built in Bharat. Modern engines will also be manufactured in Bharat. And you know, just a few days ago, the Cabinet made another big decision. Now, 5th Generation fighter jets will also be designed, developed, and manufactured in Bharat. You can imagine how big Bharat’s army and defence sector will be in the future, and how many opportunities will be created for youth in terms of employment and self-employment. Once Bharat used to be the world’s largest defence importer, today, Bharat is also becoming a major exporter in the defence sector. Today, Bharat’s defence exports have increased by more than eight times compared to 2014.
Friends,
It is unfortunate that those who ruled the country for decades since independence did not take the country’s security seriously. The situation was such that the first major scam after independence happened during the procurement process for the army. They deliberately kept Bharat dependent on foreign countries for defence needs. Can you remember the situation before 2014? There used to be discussions about scams in defence deals. Discussions focussed on stalled defence deals for decades. The army used to have concerns about running out of ammunition. They had ruined our ordnance factories. We revived these ordnance factories and transformed them into seven major companies. They had pushed HAL to the brink of destruction. We transformed HAL into a company that brings record profits. They did not show the willpower to establish positions like CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) even after the Kargil war. We implemented it. They could not even build a national memorial for our brave soldiers for decades. Our government fulfilled this duty too. The previous government even feared building modern infrastructure on our borders. But look at today, modern roads and modern tunnels are being built in our border areas.
Friends,
What does Modi’s guarantee mean? Our soldier families have also experienced it. Remember, for four decades, how soldiers’ families were lied to about OROP – One Rank One Pension. But Modi had guaranteed the implementation of OROP and fulfilled that guarantee with great pride. Now that I am in Rajasthan, I can tell you that nearly 1,75,000 former soldiers in Rajasthan alone have benefited from OROP. They have received more than 5,000 crore rupees under OROP.
Friends,
The strength of the army increases when the economic strength of the country increases. Through relentless and honest efforts over the past 10 years, we have become the world’s fifth-largest economic power, so our military capability has also increased. In the coming years, when we become the world’s third-largest economic power, Bharat’s military capability will also reach new heights. And Rajasthan will play a significant role in making Bharat the third-largest economic power. ‘Viksit Rajasthan’ will also provide equal strength to a ‘Viksit Sena’ (developed military). With this belief, I once again congratulate all of you and the joint efforts of all three forces from the bottom of my heart for the successful implementation of the ‘Bharat Shakti’.
(The approximate translation of PM’s speech at the ‘Exercise Bharat Shakti’ event in Pokhran, Rajasthan on March 12)
