Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed India's growing indigenous defence capabilities, stating that the country has witnessed a major transformation in the sector over the past 12 years through innovation, technology and self-reliance.
His remarks came after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India's annual defence production reached a record high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26.
In a post on social media platform X, Modi said India's defence sector had undergone significant progress over the last decade, driven by the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and supported by advances in indigenous manufacturing and technology.
The Prime Minister also shared a post by MyGovIndia outlining the country's defence achievements across land, sea and air, and highlighting the growing role of homegrown technologies in strengthening national security.
The post showcased several key indigenous defence platforms, including the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the Akash missile system, the Agni-V ballistic missile and India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was highlighted as a major component of India's combat aviation programme, with the induction of the Tejas Mk-1A and development of the more advanced Mk-2 variant expected to further strengthen the country's aerospace capabilities.
The Akash missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was noted for its enhanced target tracking, interception capabilities and quicker response times.
The post also underlined the significance of Agni-V, India's long-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile, which places the country among a select group of nations possessing advanced strategic deterrence capabilities.
INS Vikrant, commissioned as India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, was described as a symbol of the nation's technological advancement and maritime strength.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the country's defence production has more than doubled in the last five years. According to him, production has risen by 110 per cent since FY 2020-21, when it stood at Rs 84,643 crore.
He further noted that indigenous defence production has increased nearly fourfold from Rs 43,746 crore recorded in FY 2013-14.
Singh credited the achievement to the combined efforts of the Department of Defence Production, public and private sector industries, research institutions and other stakeholders involved in the defence ecosystem.
He said the steady rise in production reflects the rapid expansion of India's defence industrial base and reinforces the country's commitment to reducing import dependence while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The record production figures come as India continues to focus on boosting defence exports, encouraging private sector participation and advancing indigenous military technologies under its self-reliance initiative.