Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on India on Saturday to take the leading position in hypersonic defense technologies, as well as to increase its potential in the field of drones and anti-drone systems, thereby becoming a global supplier of modern military equipment.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day, he emphasized that self-reliance in the defense sector is crucial, as nations increasingly focus on their own strategic interests.
Modi stated: 'When the world thinks of itself, India cannot just be a market for the world. We must become global suppliers. We must take the lead in hypersonic defense technologies.'
Defense was included in seven 'streams of power' or Sapta Dhara, which Modi presented as part of his vision for India's development. Under the 'Raksha Shakti' initiative, he highlighted the need to strengthen domestic production in the defense industry and develop next-generation military capabilities.
He particularly noted the importance of achieving defense self-sufficiency, calling for increased investment in drone technology and anti-drone systems.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister discussed the changing nature of warfare globally. He reported that work on the 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra' initiative, which he announced in last year's speech from the Red Fort, is progressing rapidly. This mission aims to create a domestic protective shield capable of safeguarding critical military and civilian infrastructure from enemy aerial threats, similar to Israel's 'Iron Dome' system, and is expected to be completed by 2035.
Modi stressed the importance of defense self-reliance against the backdrop of sharp growth in India's domestic defense production, which has quadrupled over the last 12 years. India's defense production reached 1.78 trillion rupees in FY 2025-26, compared to 46,000 crore rupees in 2014. Defense exports also reached a record 38,424 crore rupees in FY26, and he noted that Indian military equipment and apparatus are now exported to many countries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed on Friday that over 8.75 trillion rupees was approved for military projects within the efforts to modernize the Indian armed forces over the past year.
The Independence Day ceremony also showcased the growing role of women in the armed forces, as the flag hoisting ceremony was attended by Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan, an officer of the Indian Army. The national flag received a 21-gun salute from the 1721 Field Battery (ceremonial), which used indigenous 105mm light field guns.
Before the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi was received at the Red Fort by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and he received a three-service guard of honour consisting of personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Delhi Police contingent.
