The world witnessed the potency of India's "Make in India" weapons during Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Modi declared, adding that the operation is far from over. Speaking at a rally in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after inaugurating multiple development projects, Modi highlighted the effectiveness of domestically manufactured arms, including the BrahMos missile, in delivering significant damage deep within enemy territory. He emphasized that this new strength stems from India's commitment to "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India).
Modi asserted that the Indian armed forces' prowess compelled the Pakistani Army to "beg to stop the war." He affirmed that India would no longer be intimidated by nuclear threats and would not base its decisions on such considerations. Furthermore, he stated that Pakistan's strategy of employing state and non-state actors would no longer be effective.
The Prime Minister underscored the significance of Uttar Pradesh's role in India's defense sector self-reliance, noting the transformation of seven historic ordnance factories, including the one in Kanpur, into advanced defense production units. He also mentioned that AK-203 rifle production has commenced in Amethi, and the BrahMos missile system now has a base in Uttar Pradesh, signaling the state's growing importance in defense manufacturing. These developments, according to Modi, position Uttar Pradesh to lead India's journey toward becoming a major defense exporter.
Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, involved precision strikes on terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan. The Prime Minister's strong message on national security and cross-border terrorism emphasized India's commitment to exacting a heavy price on those who sponsor terrorism. He stated that India has hit Pakistan "three times inside its home," alluding to the 2016 surgical strikes, the 2019 Balakot air strikes, and the recent Operation Sindoor.
John Spencer, a US military expert, commented on Operation Sindoor, highlighting that India not only won a military conflict with Pakistan but also achieved a technological victory over China, as Pakistan relied heavily on Chinese platforms. Spencer noted that Operation Sindoor showcased India's military triumph over Pakistan and a technological edge over China. He added that India's indigenously developed weapons, born from "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat," outperformed Chinese-supplied platforms used by Pakistan. This victory underscores the success of India's self-reliance push in defense, contrasting with Pakistan's reliance on less effective Chinese hardware.
India's defense exports have seen exponential growth over the past decade. From Rs. 686 crore in 2013-14, arms exports surged to Rs. 23,622 crore by 2023-24, marking a 34-fold increase. Domestic defense production has also grown significantly, from Rs. 46,429 crore in 2014-15 to Rs. 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, a 174 percent rise. Furthermore, India is now set to export advanced weapon systems to Israel, signaling a new chapter in India's emergence as a defense exporter under the 'Make in India' initiative. An Indian defense firm has secured a major order to supply rocket launcher systems to Israel, with the launcher believed to have a range of up to 300 kilometers.
