India's defence capabilities transform in 12 years, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 12‑year "Surakshit Bharat" milestone, stating on X that “India’s defence capabilities have witnessed significant transformation over the last decade, guided by the vision of self‑reliance and powered by innovation, technology, and indigenous manufacturing.”

He cited a range of indigenous projects: the Tejas fighter jet programme, the Akash surface‑to‑air missile system and its next‑generation Akash‑NG upgrade, the precision‑guided Pinaka artillery rocket, the Agni‑V missile equipped with MIRV technology, a successful hypersonic missile test, the nuclear‑powered submarine INS Arihant completing India’s nuclear triad, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant serving as a floating airbase. Recent naval platforms such as Project 17A stealth frigates, Project 15B destroyers and the Kalvari‑class submarines were also highlighted as evidence of a growing, self‑sufficient defence industrial base.