Prime Minister Modi delivered his address to the nation from the historic Red Fort in Delhi on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends his greetings to the audience at the Red Fort on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, marking India’s 78th Independence Day on Thursday. In his speech, he reflected on India’s past struggles with terrorism, emphasizing that those days are behind the nation, thanks to the decisive actions of the Armed Forces. Modi cited the 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 airstrike as examples of how India now responds firmly to any threats to its sovereignty, unity, and integrity. “Our country, once a victim of terror attacks, now stands bold and strong,” he said, praising the bravery and dedication of the soldiers who protect the nation.
Modi also highlighted India’s strides towards self-reliance in defense, underscoring the government’s initiatives to boost indigenous manufacturing. He noted that while India once relied heavily on importing defense equipment, the country is now a global manufacturing hub, increasingly producing its own defense needs. The Prime Minister commended the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces for implementing policies that prioritize domestic procurement, with over 5,600 items now sourced exclusively from Indian industries.
The progress in defense production has been remarkable, with annual output reaching a record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in the 2023-24 financial year. Defense exports have also surged, with Rs 21,083 crore worth of equipment exported in FY 2023-24, marking a 32.5% increase from the previous year. The first quarter of FY 2024-25 saw an even more dramatic rise, with exports reaching Rs 6,915 crore, a 78% jump from the same period in the previous year.
In his address, Modi also celebrated the increasing participation and leadership of women across all sectors, including the Armed Forces and the space sector. He highlighted the growing influence of “Nari Shakti” in driving the nation’s progress, stating that women are not just contributors but leaders in India’s journey towards greater achievements.
