In his Mann Ki Baat address in June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights India’s growing defence self-reliance across air and sea, citing recent milestones in domestic development and manufacturing. He points to the maiden flight of the C-295 military transport aircraft built in India, describing it as a major step in strengthening indigenous air capabilities. Modi also notes that additional C-295 aircraft are planned to be produced domestically, supporting local industry, including MSMEs, and job creation.
On naval capabilities, he references the induction of three indigenous warships into the Indian Navy, including INS Dunagiri, presenting them as evidence of expanding shipbuilding capacity. Modi also cites a successful long-range land-attack cruise missile test, which he frames as a demonstration of progress in India’s indigenously developed defence systems.
Taken together, the developments are presented by Modi as reflecting the goals of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative and improving national security by strengthening capabilities across multiple domains.
