Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2025 called for India to emerge as a global defence supplier, highlighting that domestic defence production has grown four times over the past 12 years and defence exports have surged nearly 50-fold, with Indian arms now reaching approximately 100 countries. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, Modi outlined an ambitious road map anchored in self-reliance, next-generation technologies, and a modernised civil defence network.

Key Announcements from the Red Fort

Modi identified Raksha Shakti — defence power — as the fifth pillar of his 'Sapta Dhara' road map for India's next phase of national development. He stressed that Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence is no longer optional. 'When the world looks out for itself, India cannot merely remain an arms market for other nations,' he said.

The Prime Minister announced the establishment of a modern Civil Defence network, saying existing civil defence mechanisms were designed for the nature of conflicts witnessed during the previous century and have become outdated. The new framework will include advanced emergency systems, protocols, and a large voluntary civil defence force capable of responding to contemporary threats.

Focus on Drones, Hypersonics and Cybersecurity

Modi called on India to build domestic expertise in drone systems, counter-drone systems, and hypersonic defence technologies — areas he described as defining the next generation of warfare. 'We must build drone systems, counter-drone systems, and take the lead in Hypersonic Defence Technologies,' he said.

He also flagged cybersecurity as an emerging challenge that now extends beyond traditional military domains to ordinary households. 'Cybersecurity is emerging as a challenge for every household today. That, too, is a domain of defence where the capability and talent of our youth can serve both our nation and the world,' Modi added.

The Prime Minister noted that modern warfare increasingly targets critical infrastructure — 'striking at refineries, infiltrating the banking sector, targeting data centres, and disrupting essential systems and factories' — marking a fundamental shift in the nature of conflict.

Aviation and Aerospace Milestones

Modi pointed to the successful maiden flight of the indigenously developed C-295 defence transport aircraft as a landmark achievement for India's aerospace manufacturing sector. He also cited progress in the development of 'Made in India' passenger aircraft, describing the trajectory as a major milestone for the country's youth and industrial capability.

He recalled that India had announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra the previous year and confirmed that work on the initiative is progressing rapidly, without providing specific timelines.

Strategic Shift: From Consumer to Supplier

The overarching thrust of Modi's defence vision is a structural pivot — from India being a large importer of weapons to becoming a leading exporter. India's defence exports reaching 100 nations is cited as evidence that the shift is already under way, even as critics have noted that export volumes, while growing sharply in percentage terms, still remain modest in absolute global terms.

With the 'Sapta Dhara' framework now formally anchoring defence as a core development driver, the government is expected to follow up with sector-specific policy measures in the coming months.