‘Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat’: PM Modi highlights INS Mahendragiri in Mann Ki Baat | Today’s news
In his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio show on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the induction of INS Mahendragiri into the navy as a symbol of India’s growing self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing, saying the stealthy indigenous warship reflected the country’s expanding technological capabilities and the success of the “Make in India” initiative.
Addressing the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said the warship has demonstrated India’s ability to design and manufacture advanced defense platforms with a high degree of indigenous content.
“This modern warship has been designed in India and built in India. More than 75 percent indigenous content has been used. It is a symbol of the growing strength of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” the Prime Minister said.
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“India is steadily strengthening its technological capabilities”
He said that India is continuously enhancing its technological capabilities along with the courage and readiness of its armed forces.
Highlighting the recent milestones in domestic defense manufacturing, the Prime Minister also mentioned the successful tests of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) and Kusha long range surface-to-air missile.
“This month, DRDO also successfully test-fired the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket. This success is a result of the joint efforts of our scientists and engineers. Just 2-3 days ago, DRDO also successfully test-fired the Kusha missile,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that India’s progress is reflected not only in defense production but also in defense exports and strategic partnerships with friendly countries.
“Today, be it defense manufacturing, defense exports or political cooperation with friendly countries, India is constantly reaching new heights,” he said, recalling his recent visit to Indonesia, where agreements were signed for the supply of BrahMos and Astra missiles.
“The world’s confidence in India’s defense equipment and technology is growing,” PM Modi added.
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All about INS Mahendragiri
INS Mahendragiri, an indigenously built advanced stealth frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet on July 11 by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in Visakhapatnam. The warship has more than 75 percent of the original content and is equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, advanced stealth capabilities and advanced network-focused combat systems.
During his speech, the PM also paid tribute to the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil war on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
“There are certain dates in our lives for which we don’t need to look at the calendar. Today, July 26, is one such date. Today is Kargil Vijay Diwas. This day fills us with pride and reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers,” he said.
He said the sacrifices of the armed forces will continue to inspire future generations and highlighted the ongoing Shaurya Vijay Yatra, which began on July 14 from the National War Memorial in New Delhi and will culminate at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras under the theme “One Ride, One Nation, One Salute”.
