PM Modi Attends Display of Indigenous Military Power in Pokhran
In the run-up to the summer general elections, PM Modi stepped up his attacks on the Opposition on Tuesday. Accusing it of neglecting the defence sector for decades while in power. Failing to check corruption in military deals, keeping the armed forces dependent on foreign suppliers, and destroying state-run defence companies.
PM Modi Criticizes Previous Regime
“It was a misfortune for the country that those who governed it for decades were not serious about its defence needs.” During his speech at the tri-services Bharat Shakti exercise, which took place at the Pokhran firing range, Modi said. Near Jaisalmer to highlight the strength and innovation of indigenous defence capabilities. He also launched a blistering attack on the previous regime for failing to appoint a chief of defence staff to bring synergy among the three services following the 1999 Kargil war. Failing to construct a war memorial for decades. Ignoring border infrastructure development, and denying former soldiers one rank, one pension (OROP).
All of this was accomplished by the National Democratic Alliance government during the last ten years, he said. “This is what Modi ki guarantee means.” He claimed that before the NDA government was elected in 2014, defence deals were put on hold. The Prime Minister stated that the previous regime had destroyed the Ordnance Factory Board and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It was the NDA government that took steps to resuscitate and profit from them. He also raised repeated worries about the army’s ammunition shortages during the previous leadership.
PM Hails Indigenous Defence Capability
Bharat Shakti demonstrated “live integrated multi-domain, offensive operations” by the armed forces using indigenous weaponry. “Today, once again, Pokhran witnessed the triumph of India’s Atmanirbharta, self-confidence, and grandeur… It is the same Pokhran that witnessed India’s nuclear test. We are now witnessing the power of indigenisation,” Modi stated.
The Prime Minister referred to the first flight test on Monday of the locally developed Agni-5 missile with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology. Which gives the weapon system the ability to deliver multiple nuclear warheads against targets spread across hundreds of kilometres. And strengthens the country’s strategic deterrence capability. He stated that just a few countries in the world possessed this cutting-edge technology and prowess. That the testing was yet another feather in Atmanirbharta’s cap in terms of defence.
“The idea of Viksit Bharat is unimaginable without Atmanirbhar Bharat.” Adding that military equipment worth ₹6 lakh crore has been acquired from Indian firms during the last decade. “Atmanirbharta for India’s defence needs is the guarantee of self-confidence in the armed forces,” the prime minister added.
Over the last five to six years, India has increased its focus on the defence manufacturing industry and implemented a number of measures to achieve self-reliance. These include prohibiting the import of a variety of weapons, systems, and parts, allocating a separate budget to purchase domestically manufactured military hardware, raising foreign direct investment from 49% to 74%, and improving the ease of doing business. Setting aside funds for India-made weaponry and systems is one of the most important steps towards greater self-reliance. The 2023-24 defence budget includes around ₹1 lakh crore for domestic procurement, up from ₹84,598 crore, ₹70,221 crore, and ₹51,000 crore in preceding years.
Author- Anshika Sharma