In a recent Council of Ministers meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly emphasized the significance of indigenous weapons in bolstering India's national security and defense capabilities. The meeting, held in the wake of Operation Sindoor, served as a platform to not only commend the armed forces for their successful execution of the operation but also to reiterate the government's commitment to 'Make in India' initiative in the defense sector.
Operation Sindoor, India's assertive military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, was a key highlight of the discussions. The Prime Minister asserted that the operation showcased the strength of India’s indigenous defense capabilities to the world. He highlighted that India's homegrown weapons, including the BrahMos missile, struck targets with precision, causing destruction deep within enemy territory. This display of prowess, according to the Prime Minister, forced the Pakistani military to plead for an end to the conflict.
PM Modi underscored the government's unwavering stance against terrorism, outlining three clear principles that would guide India's response to such acts. First, India will deliver a decisive response to every terrorist attack, with the timing, method, and conditions of the response determined solely by the Indian armed forces. Second, India will no longer be intimidated by nuclear threats, nor will it make decisions based on such warnings. Third, India will view both the masterminds of terrorism and the governments that shelter them in the same light, rejecting the distinction between state and non-state actors. He affirmed unequivocally that wherever the enemy may be, it will be eliminated.
The emphasis on indigenous weapons aligns with the government's broader vision of achieving self-reliance in defense. By promoting domestic defense production, India aims to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers, create jobs, and boost its economy. The Prime Minister has often spoken about the importance of equipping the armed forces with state-of-the-art weapons made in India, and has encouraged both public and private sector companies to invest in defense research and manufacturing.
In line with this vision, several initiatives have been launched to promote indigenous defense production, including the establishment of defense industrial corridors, the simplification of defense procurement procedures, and the provision of incentives for domestic manufacturers. These efforts have started to yield results, with a growing number of Indian companies now producing a wide range of defense equipment, from missiles and drones to armored vehicles and electronic warfare systems.
The Council of Ministers meeting also served as a platform to discuss the overall security situation in the region and to review the government's preparedness to deal with any future threats. Ministers were briefed on the latest intelligence inputs and were directed to take all necessary measures to safeguard the country's borders and protect its citizens. The Prime Minister stressed the need for close coordination between different government agencies and the armed forces to ensure a comprehensive and effective response to any security challenge.
