SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India is steadily strengthening its defence capabilities, asserting that the country is achieving new milestones in indigenous defence production, military exports and strategic cooperation with friendly nations.
Addressing the 127th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi paid tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War and highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defence and space technology.
Marking Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Prime Minister said July 26 is a date etched in the nation’s memory, symbolising the courage and sacrifice of India’s armed forces.
“The towering peaks of Kargil, the harsh weather and the enemy’s challenge could not weaken the spirit of our soldiers. Their courage continues to inspire every Indian,” he said, adding that this year’s Shaurya Vijay Yatra has been organised to familiarise the younger generation with the stories of the country’s war heroes.
Highlighting advances in defence manufacturing, Modi said the recently inducted naval warship INS Mahendragiri was designed and built in India, with more than 75 per cent indigenous content, reflecting the success of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
He also referred to recent achievements by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), including the successful tests of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile.
“Whether it is defence production, defence exports or strategic cooperation with friendly nations, India is continuously scaling new heights,” the Prime Minister said.
He noted that during his visit to Indonesia earlier this month, India concluded a major agreement involving the BrahMos and Astra missile systems, describing it as a sign of growing international confidence in India’s defence technology.
Turning to the space sector, Modi congratulated the team behind the successful launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed rocket, calling it a landmark achievement for the country’s expanding private space industry.
“For a long time, the space sector remained closed to private participation. We opened it up keeping the interests of our youth in mind, and today the world is witnessing the results,” he said.
The Prime Minister also urged people to support the nationwide Catch the Rain campaign aimed at conserving rainwater through harvesting, groundwater recharge, revival of water bodies and tree plantation.
Congratulating sportspersons on recent achievements, Modi praised badminton star P V Sindhu for becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open title and lauded the Indian women’s cricket team for registering its maiden Test victory at Lord’s.
He also highlighted a Sanskrit learning initiative in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, where football terminology is being used to teach the language, saying such innovations make learning more engaging.
The Prime Minister further commended Indian students for their performance in international Science Olympiads, praised a women-led self-help group in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor for producing herbal tea under the Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea brand, and noted the plantation of lakhs of saplings under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
With National Handloom Day to be observed on August 7, Modi appealed to citizens to support India’s weavers by promoting handloom products and strengthening the “Vocal for Local” movement.
The Prime Minister did not refer to the recently concluded protests over the NEET paper leak issue during his address.
