Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has lauded his country’s strides toward achieving self-reliance in the defence sector, highlighting its transformation into an emerging global hub for defence manufacturing.
This came as he delivered an address on India’s Independence Day.
Before addressing the nation, Modi received a Guard of Honour at the Red Fort, coordinated by the Indian Navy.
The ceremony included contingents from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police, with Commander Arun Kumar Mehta leading the Guard of Honour.
“We are becoming self-reliant in the defence sector. Today, we have our own identity in defence manufacturing. India is emerging as a defence manufacturing hub.”
Narendra Modi
Modi pointed out that the majority of India’s defence budget was once spent on importing military equipment. Now, the focus has shifted to indigenous production, reducing dependency on imports.
The Indian Prime Minister hailed the efforts of the defence ministry and armed forces for their decisive actions, including the creation of positive indigenization lists.
Also, he said that India was growing as a manufacturing hub with an increasing number of foreign companies looking to invest in the nation.
“Today, many of the world’s largest companies want to invest in India. I have noticed this after the elections; in my third term, the majority of the people requesting to meet me are investors. Investors from all over the world want to come and invest in India.”
Narendra Modi
In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Modi stressed that the focus of the country is now on green growth, which will generate employment opportunities while contributing to environmental protection.
“I want to tell the world about the strength of my country’s people. My country and its people have accomplished what other G20 nations have not.
“We have met the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule. India is the only nation among the G20 countries to do so, and we are proud of it.”
Narendra Modi
He stated that India’s efforts to tackle the global challenge of climate change have “reassured and surprised” the world.
India has committed to achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel-based electricity installed capacity by 2030.
Modi expressed confidence that India will meet this target.
“This is crucial for humanity and will serve as a guarantee of a bright future for our children,” he noted.
Moreover, Modi called for calm in neighbouring Bangladesh after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, who quit as Prime Minister following a student-led uprising and fled to India.
“Whatever happens in Bangladesh is a matter of concern. I hope that the situation there will become normal soon,” he said, raising concerns over attacks on Bangladesh’s Hindu minority in the immediate aftermath of Hasina’s departure.
“India always wants that our neighbouring countries tread the path of peace and tranquillity… we will remain well-wishers of the development journey of Bangladesh.”
Narendra Modi
Russia Attaches Great Importance To Ties With India
In a statement on India’s Independence Day, Russian President, Vladimir Putin said that Moscow attaches great importance to the relations of a particularly privileged strategic partnership with New Delhi.
Putin pointed out in a statement addressed to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he is confident that the consistent implementation of the agreements reached following “our recent talks in Moscow will contribute to the further development of multifaceted Russian-Indian cooperation.”
According to the Russian President, this undoubtedly meets the interests of the friendly peoples of the two countries and is in line with the consolidation of security and international stability.
Putin extended his heartfelt congratulations to Murmu and Modi on the occasion of India’s Independence Day.
“For 77 years of independent development, your country has achieved universally recognized successes in socio-economic, scientific, technological and many other spheres and gained high prestige in the world arena.”
Vladimir Putin
He wished the Indian President and Prime Minister good health and success, and all citizens of the country happiness and prosperity.
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