PM Modi says India aims to become a leading global defence exporter, highlighting rapid progress in indigenous production during Diwali address aboard INS Vikrant
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India's goal is to become one of the world's leading defence exporters, underscoring the country's growing focus on self-reliance and technological strength in defence manufacturing. Speaking during Diwali celebrations aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Modi said India's armed forces have moved steadily towards self-sufficiency and now symbolise the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" vision.
"INS Vikrant is not merely a warship; it is a testimony to 21st-century India's hard work, talent, impact, and commitment," the Prime Minister said, calling it a "towering symbol of Made in India," Modi added that the Navy's indigenously built carrier demonstrates the nation's ability to design and deliver complex military platforms domestically.
Highlighting the strides made in defence manufacturing over the past decade, Modi said India's defence production has more than tripled, crossing Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the last fiscal year. He said that since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered more than 40 indigenous warships and submarines to the Navy, with a new vessel or submarine being inducted every 40 days on average.
The Prime Minister credited these achievements to sustained efforts to reduce import dependence. "Our armed forces have identified thousands of items that will no longer be imported. Most essential military equipment is now being produced domestically," he said.
Citing examples of indigenous missile systems, Modi said, "Missiles like BrahMos and Akash have proven their capabilities during Operation Sindoor. Several countries around the world are now interested in purchasing these missiles."
He added that India is building the capacity to export defence equipment across all three services -- Army, Navy and Air Force -- while expressing confidence that the country is on track to be counted among the world's top defence exporters.
Focus On Self-reliance And Global Partnerships
Modi said India's growing defence industry is not only strengthening national security but also positioning the country as a reliable global supplier. Defence exports have increased more than 30-fold over the past decade, he said, attributing the surge to the contributions of Indian start-ups and indigenous manufacturing units.
"When the enemy is in front and war is imminent, the side that possesses the strength to fight independently always holds the advantage," Modi said, emphasising that self-reliance is crucial for strategic strength.
The Prime Minister reiterated that India's science, prosperity, and power are rooted in the ethos of serving humanity. "Our tradition has always been about knowledge, giving, and protection -- 'Gyanaya Daanaya Cha Rakshanaya.' Our technological capabilities must serve peace and global security," he said.
Modi also praised the Indian Navy's growing role in maintaining security across the Indian Ocean region, describing it as the "guardian of the Indian Ocean." He noted that two-thirds of the world's oil supplies and half of global container shipments pass through these waters, underscoring the Navy's critical role in ensuring maritime safety and stability.
"The Indian Navy, through mission-based deployments, anti-piracy patrols, and humanitarian operations, acts as a global security partner," Modi said. He cited India's relief operations in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, Mozambique, and Madagascar as examples of the Navy's expanding global footprint.
Decline In Maoist Terrorism Reflects Security Gains
In a broader reflection on internal security, Modi said India has achieved "a major milestone" with the near elimination of Maoist terrorism. He said the number of affected districts has fallen from 125 before 2014 to just 11 today, with only three remaining significantly impacted.
"Hundreds of districts that once lived in the shadow of Maoist terror are now celebrating Diwali freely for the first time," he said, adding that these areas are witnessing rapid infrastructure growth and record economic activity.
Modi said India's defence self-reliance aligns with its broader diplomatic and economic ambitions. "As India progresses rapidly, we are ensuring that the nations of the Global South advance alongside. We are working on the 'Mahasagar Maritime Vision' and becoming a development partner for many countries," he said.
From the deck of INS Vikrant, Modi concluded his address by saluting the armed forces and reaffirming India's commitment to national and global security. "From land to sea to air, our forces stand firm like a rock," he said. "Their valour, sacrifice, and determination are the foundation of a stronger, self-reliant India."