Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the country’s rise in defence production and exports, stating that every Indian can take pride in this journey. Moreover, he urged the youth, startups, manufacturers, and innovators to engage in this sector, emphasizing that now is their time to make history.
In a LinkedIn post, Modi declared, “India needs your expertise and enthusiasm. Consequently, the door to innovation stands open, policies support growth, and opportunities abound. Together, we will not only make India self-sufficient in defence but also establish it as a leader in defence manufacturing. Let us all build a strong and independent India.”
Reflecting on a time when security forces faced critical equipment shortages, he noted that today’s era of self-reliance marks a proud journey for every Indian. In this context, the inauguration of the C-295 aircraft manufacturing plant at Vadodara symbolizes a significant milestone in this journey.
To support his claims, Modi provided figures, stating that India’s defence output has reached Rs 1.27 lakh crore for 2023-24. Furthermore, he highlighted that exports have surged from Rs 1,000 crore in 2014 to Rs 21,000 crore today. In just three years, the country has produced over 12,300 items, and public sector defense undertakings have invested over Rs 7,500 crore for domestic vendors. Notably, he also mentioned that 25% of the defence research and development budget focuses on industry-led innovation.
In addition, Thomas Domke, CEO of GitHub, expressed his admiration for India on X, stating, “I have to show some love to India. With the fastest-growing developer population in the world, India’s emergence as a global tech giant is certain.” He acknowledged that Indian developers have stepped forward, increasingly utilizing AI to create innovative solutions.
Responding to Domke’s post, Prime Minister Modi remarked, “When it comes to innovation and technology, Indian youth rank among the best!” Notably, GitHub reported that over 1.7 crore developers work on the platform in India, showcasing a 28% growth in 2024 and establishing India as the fastest-growing developer community worldwide.