New Delhi: Asserting that last 11 years of his government have marked significant changes in the defence sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that it’s gladdening to see how the people of India have come together with the resolve of making India stronger.
PM Modi wrote on X: “The last 11 years have marked significant changes in our defence sector, with a clear focus on both modernisation and becoming self reliant when it comes to defence production. It is gladdening to see how the people of India have come together with the resolve of making India stronger.”
PM Modi shared a thread from a government’s citizen engagement platform, which highlighted the changes in different areas as the Prime Minister completed 11 years in office on Tuesday.
The thread on the social media said, “ In just 11 years under Modi’s visionary leadership, India has revolutionised its defence capabilities, deepened strategic global partnerships, and achieved historic milestones in space exploration.”
“Guided by his (PM Modi’s) resolve for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the nation has embraced self-reliant innovation and expanded its influence in trade and technology,” it added.
“India’s Rise in 11 Years: Power, Partnerships, and Progress,” it said, putting out the government’s initiatives and subsequent changes in different fields.
India’s defence exports have soared to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25 from Rs 1,940 crore in 2014-15, the post said, noting the country also unveiled its first indigenous aircraft carrier in INS Vikrant.
It said, “This is the story of India’s rise as a confident, decisive, and respected global leader driven by PM Modi’s bold vision and unwavering commitment to a stronger Bharat.”
India’s missile power had its precision and reach elevated, it said, mentioning Brahmos extended range version, which was successfully test-fired from Su-30 MKI, among others.
The thread also highlighted India’s robust ties with other countries, noting the inking of its “historic” trade deal with the UK and comprehensive economic power agreement with the UAE.
Highlighting India’s commitment to global peace, it said the country stands as a leading force in UN peacekeeping, with over 2.9 lakh troops deployed across 50 missions worldwide.
During the pandemic, India also provided two lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses to UN peacekeepers, supporting health and safety on the frontlines of peace, it added.
The post was part of a broader national campaign highlighting the transformation of India’s defence capabilities since 2014, coinciding with the beginning of PM Modi’s first term as the Prime Minister.
From being heavily import-dependent to becoming a notable arms exporter, India’s defence journey has seen a fundamental shift.
The Ministry of Defence and senior officials echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment, praising the nation’s move towards indigenisation and innovation.
A post on X, from the Ministry of Defence, elaborated on this transformation, stating: “Over the past 11 years, under PM @narendramodi’s visionary leadership, India’s defence sector has transformed from import-dependent to a global exporter, powered by #AatmanirbharBharat & #MakeInIndia. Indigenous innovations like #brahmosmissile & advanced submarines have fortified our security and global standing. Defence exports now reach 100+ countries, marking a historic rise in #selfreliance. As we celebrate #11YearsOfRakshaShakti, we salute the strides toward a safer, stronger India.”
Key milestones during this period include the record growth in defence exports, which have surpassed Rs 21,000 crore in recent years, the successful deployment of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the commissioning of indigenous aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant, and the development of homegrown fighter jets like the HAL Tejas.
The celebration of ’11Years of Raksha Shakti’ underscores the government’s emphasis on reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and promoting indigenous defence production under flagship initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. (KNO)
PM Modi hits 11-year mark in power
