Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2026, identified Raksha Shakti as one of the seven key streams of power essential to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He stressed the need for greater self-reliance in defence and called on India to emerge as a global supplier of next-generation defence technologies.
“There is no alternative to being self-reliant in defence,” the Prime Minister said, underlining the importance of developing indigenous capabilities in areas such as drones, counter-drone systems and hypersonic defence technologies.
Modi said India could no longer remain dependent on other countries for critical defence requirements. He emphasised that while imported equipment may sometimes be cheaper or more readily available, dependence on foreign suppliers does not strengthen domestic capabilities.
The Prime Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Vocal for Local, saying India must develop the capacity to protect its own national interests. He also highlighted cybersecurity as an important area where the country’s young population can contribute to strengthening national and global security.
Focus on Indigenous Defence Capabilities:
Highlighting the changing nature of warfare, Modi said modern conflicts are no longer restricted to conventional battles along national borders. Critical infrastructure, refineries, banking systems, data centres and industrial facilities can also become targets.
Against this backdrop, he stressed the need to strengthen indigenous defence equipment and enhance the operational capabilities of the armed forces. He said work on Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at strengthening the country’s protection against emerging threats, is progressing rapidly.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the growth of India’s defence sector over the past 12 years. According to him, defence production has increased nearly fourfold, while defence exports have risen almost 50 times, with Indian defence products now reaching around 100 countries.
“Whether the challenge is within or beyond the borders, India is prepared for any situation,” Modi said, asserting that the country’s reputation as a defence-capable nation is growing globally.
Major Civil Defence Volunteer Force Planned:
Calling national security a responsibility shared by every citizen, the Prime Minister said India’s existing civil defence systems, largely designed around the threats of the previous century, need to be modernised.
He announced plans to build a vibrant civil defence network equipped to respond to contemporary challenges. A large voluntary civil defence force will be created and trained in modern systems and methods, he said.
Nari Shakti in Defence:
Modi also highlighted the increasing participation of Nari Shakti in nation-building and the Defence Forces. He noted that women graduating from the National Defence Academy are demonstrating their ability to take on leadership roles in the military with confidence and authority.
The Prime Minister’s emphasis on Raksha Shakti placed defence preparedness, indigenous technology, cybersecurity and citizen participation at the centre of India’s broader vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
