How is India Strengthening Its Defence? PM Modi Reflects on 11 Years of Reforms and Self-Reliance

Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent social media post highlights a decade of transformative changes in India's defence sector, showcasing the nation's journey from dependency to self-sufficiency. This celebration marks a pivotal moment in India's efforts to bolster its defence capabilities and secure its position on the global stage.
Key Takeaways
- India's defence sector has evolved significantly over 11 years.
- Focus on self-reliance has transformed defence production.
- Indigenous innovations like BrahMos enhance national security.
- Defence exports now reach over 100 countries.
- Key initiatives include Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
New Delhi, June 10 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on social media the impressive advancements made by India’s defence sector over the last 11 years, emphasizing the dual goals of modernisation and self-reliance. In a post on X, he stated: "The last 11 years have witnessed transformative changes in our defence sector, focusing on both modernisation and achieving self-reliance in defence production. It is heartening to observe how the citizens of India have united with the commitment to make India stronger! #11YearsOfRakshaShakti".
This announcement is part of a larger national initiative showcasing the evolution of India’s defence capabilities since 2014, the year PM Modi began his first term.
India's defence journey has transitioned from being heavily import-dependent to emerging as a notable arms exporter.
The Ministry of Defence and high-ranking officials echoed the Prime Minister’s views, commending the country’s shift towards indigenisation and innovation.
A post on X from the Ministry of Defence elaborated on this change, indicating: "Over the past 11 years, under PM @narendramodi's visionary leadership, India’s defence sector has evolved from an import-dependent entity to a global exporter, driven by #AatmanirbharBharat & #MakeInIndia. Indigenous innovations like the #BrahMos missile and advanced submarines have bolstered our security and global standing. Defence exports now reach over 100 countries, marking a historic surge in #selfreliance. As we honor #11YearsOfRakshaShakti, we commend the progress towards a safer, stronger India."
Notable achievements during this time include record growth in defence exports, surpassing Rs 21,000 crore in recent years, the successful deployment of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the commissioning of indigenous aircraft carriers such as INS Vikrant, and the development of homegrown fighter jets like the HAL Tejas.
The celebration of '11 Years of Raksha Shakti' highlights the government's focus on diminishing reliance on foreign suppliers and fostering indigenous defence production through leading initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.