What happened (Prime Minister’s “Mann Ki Baat” remarks on defence)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his monthly radio address “Mann Ki Baat”, said India is continuously increasing defence production capabilities and defence exports. Modi also linked defence progress to stronger political cooperation with friendly nations, framing the changes as part of India’s indigenisation push.
Modi highlighted indigenous manufacturing and technology progress and cited the induction of the INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy. The Prime Minister stated that over 75% of the materials used are indigenous. He also referenced successful DRDO tests of the Pinaka long-range guided rocket and the Kusha missile.
Modi added that global confidence in India’s defence equipment and technology is growing. He referenced agreements reached during his recent visit to Indonesia connected to BrahMos and Astra missiles.
Background and earlier position (what indigenisation and DRDO testing typically mean in UPSC terms)
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