From seas to skies, India is becoming secure and self-reliant: PM Modi

In this screenshot from a video released on June 28, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks at the Seychelles National Assembly in Seychelles. | Photo Credit: YouTube/@NarendraModi via PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 28, 2026) hailed India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing, pointing to the first flight of the first Indian-made C-295 transport aircraft and the successful test of the indigenous Long Range Cruise Missile (LRLACM). He also thanked citizens for supporting his call for austerity measures at a time of crisis in West Asia.

Addressing the nation on his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio show, Mr Modi said June was a “landmark” for India’s aerospace and defense sector. Referring to the C-295 programme, he said that 40 aircraft are being manufactured in India, which will significantly strengthen local SMEs and the aviation industry while creating employment opportunities.

The first Indian-made C-295 airliner completed its maiden flight on 10 June. The Indian Air Force is procuring 56 aircraft under the ₹21,935 crore deal, with 40 being manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems Limited in partnership with Airbus at the Vadodara facility.

The prime minister flagged the successful flight test of the indigenous LRLACM by the Defense Research and Development Organization earlier this month. “From the seas to the skies, our India is becoming increasingly secure and self-sufficient,” he said, adding that all major subsystems of the missile were indigenously developed.

Referring to the recent induction of INS Dunagiri, INS Shanshak and INS Agrya into the Indian Navy, Mr. Modi said the warships were designed and built entirely in India.

The Prime Minister thanked the citizens for the positive response to his call to conserve resources amid the conflict in West Asia. He said many people have started carpooling, using public transport, postponing foreign travel and increasing the use of natural fertilizers. He noted that several families chose to recycle old gold instead of buying new jewelry for weddings.

“I am grateful to every citizen of the country, they have not only supported my appeal but are actively cooperating in every way,” he said.

Emphasizing environmental protection, Mr. Modi appreciated biologist Purnima Devi Barman’s efforts in changing the public perception of the Assam hargil bird (greater aide) and praised community initiatives in Meghalaya to preserve the state’s living root bridges, for which India sought UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Prime Minister praised women in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district for converting plastic waste into eco-friendly bricks used to beautify public spaces and praised Nagaland’s ‘Baby League’ football initiative for children between the ages of five and 12.

For Ganesh Chaturthi, the prime minister urged people to buy idols made from local clay and crafted by Indian artisans, urging buyers to check both the material used and the country of manufacture before buying.

Published – 28 Jun 2026 12:59 IST