2 weeks ago
Modi names defence as fifth Shakti, targets global supplier status
On India's Independence Day, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, gave a big speech from an old fort called the Red Fort.
He talked about seven 'powers' or 'strengths' that can help India grow.
One of those strengths is defence, which means making things like missiles, rockets, and other equipment for the military.
He said India should not just make these things for itself, but also sell them to other countries.
He wants India to be a leader in very fast technology called hypersonics.
The Defence Minister said India made a record amount of defence equipment this year.
India also sold defence equipment to more than 80 other countries.
Scientists in India also tested a special engine part that helps rockets go very fast.
This is a big step for India to become a strong and respected country.
PM Modi named defence power as the fifth 'Shakti' of his 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara' vision during his 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort.
He said India must move beyond self-reliance to become a global supplier of defence equipment and take leadership in hypersonic technologies.
Defence production hit a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, up from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced.
Defence exports reached a record Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, with Indian products sold to more than 80 countries and a target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.
DRDO's successful test of an active-cooled full-scale scramjet combustor for over 1,200 seconds places India among a few countries developing hypersonic missile technology.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announcing fresh production and export numbers.
- What
- PM Modi named defence power as the fifth 'Shakti' of his 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara' vision and called for India to become a global supplier of defence equipment and a leader in hypersonic technologies.
- Where
- Red Fort, India.
- When
- August 15, 2026, during India's 80th Independence Day address.
- Why
- To move India beyond self-reliance so it can capture a larger share of the global defence market and build a respected, next-generation defence industry.
Key facts
- Event
- 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort
- Vision
- 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara' – Seven Streams of Strength, with defence as the fifth 'Shakti'
- Defence production (FY 2025-26)
- Rs 1.78 lakh crore – all-time high, up from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014
- Defence exports (FY 2025-26)
- Rs 38,424 crore – record, sold to more than 80 countries
- Export target by 2029
- Rs 50,000 crore
- Private sector share
- 24% of total defence production; PSUs and public sector entities ~76%
- Scramjet milestone
- DRDO tested an active-cooled full-scale scramjet combustor for over 1,200 seconds
Quotes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
India’s head of government
“"The fifth strength of the Saptadhara is defence power. It is important for us to become self‑reliant in defence."”
financialexpress.com
“"India must move beyond Aatmanirbharta in defence and aim to become a global supplier of defence equipment."”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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