HYDERABAD, Dec 20: On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu asserted that the time has come to embark on a new phase of self-reliance in defense production, emphasizing the need to manufacture technologically advanced equipment domestically.
Delivering her remarks after presenting the President’s Colours to the College of Defence Management (CDM) in Hyderabad, she highlighted that the Union Government is implementing several initiatives to bolster the indigenous capabilities of the defense industry.
She mentioned that programs like Make in India, Ease of Doing Business, and the development of defense industrial corridors are enticing investments from both Indian and foreign investors into the defense sector.
With a focus on indigenization, numerous defense products have been earmarked for domestic production, reducing the reliance on imports.
“The moment is now ideal for initiating a new era of self-reliance through the manufacturing of advanced technologies within India,” she stated.
The President urged defense officers to actively contribute towards achieving self-reliance and realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
In the realm of defense modernization, India is adopting a comprehensive strategy that includes enhancing conventional forces and integrating state-of-the-art technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber warfare capabilities, and space defense technologies.
She pointed out that India is also focusing on forming strategic defense partnerships globally. Through various multilateral economic and military frameworks and engagements, India’s influence in regional and international defense conversations has significantly increased.
By emphasizing self-reliance, technological innovation, and strategic alliances, India is not just safeguarding its borders but also playing a vital role in promoting global peace and stability, the President remarked.
As the country progresses, it is crucial for India’s defense sector to evolve and adapt to remain a beacon of strength, resilience, and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected and complex world.
President Murmu underscored the importance for armed forces personnel to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and evolving operational dynamics.
“Modern warfare extends beyond the battlefield. We are currently experiencing psychological warfare. I urge you to continually adapt to the times and seek excellence within the fast-evolving security landscape,” she said.
She noted that enhanced defense management capabilities will strengthen India’s diplomatic and military ties and boost defense exports.
This will enable India to maintain a proactive role in international security discussions, with senior strategic leaders in Indian defense playing a critical role in positioning India as a prominent player in responding to global security challenges, she added.
President Murmu expressed her confidence that the combined efforts and individual excellence of the officers will contribute to realizing India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
She also expressed delight at the presence of women officers, commending their contributions at various defense events and acknowledging that they serve as an inspiration for other women and girls aspiring to achieve their dreams.
Later in the evening, the President hosted an ‘At Home’ event at Rashtrapati Nilayam.
Among those in attendance were Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, and other distinguished guests.
During her visit to Telangana from December 17-21, the President is residing at Rashtrapati Nilayam, one of the Presidential Retreats. (PTI)
