Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Modi calls for self-reliant defence, drones and hypersonic tech
India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, gave a big speech on Independence Day in 2026.
He talked about how India should make its own things for its own army and defence.
He said India should not just buy things from other countries.
He believes India should build its own drones, which are flying machines that can do jobs on their own.
He also wants special systems that can stop enemy drones.
He wants India to be a leader in very fast technology called hypersonic technology.
He said Indians feel connected to programs like 'Make in India' and 'Vocal for Local'.
These programs encourage people to make and buy things made in India.
His main message was that India should be strong, capable, and able to protect itself.
PM Narendra Modi, in his 2026 Independence Day address, stressed that there is no alternative to being self-reliant in defence.
He said Bharat cannot simply remain a market for the world and must emerge as a global supplier of next-generation defence technologies.
Modi called for developing drones and counter-drone systems and taking leadership in hypersonic defence technologies.
He argued India should not depend on other countries even when goods are cheaper or faster to obtain abroad, to build its own capabilities.
He linked the push to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' resolve and initiatives like Make in India, Swadeshi, and Vocal for Local.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- What
- Called for defence self-reliance, the development of drones and counter-drone systems, leadership in hypersonic technologies, and India becoming a global supplier of next-generation defence technologies
- When
- Saturday, during his 2026 Independence Day address to the nation
- Where
- India (national address to the nation)
- Why
- To build India's own capabilities and protect its own interests instead of depending on other countries
- Speaker
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Occasion
- 2026 Independence Day address to the nation
- Central theme
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defence
- Technology priorities
- Drones, counter-drone systems, hypersonic defence technologies
- Stated goal
- India as a global supplier of next-generation defence technologies
- Initiatives mentioned
- Make in India, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local
- Key quote
- "Bharat cannot simply remain a market for the world"