Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the valour of soldiers on Tuesday, commending, “the scene we witnessed today, the valour of our three-armed forces, is extraordinary. The resounding roar in the sky, the steadfast courage on the ground, and the triumphant cries reverberating in every direction signify the emergence of a new India.”
Speaking at the tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ in Rajasthan’s Pokhran, the PM emphasized, “today, Pokhran once again stands witness to the trinity of India’s self-reliance, self-confidence, and self-pride.”
He recalled that it was at Pokhran that India’s nuclear test was conducted in the past. “Pokhran has become witness to the trinity of India’s ‘Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance)’, Belief (Vishwas) and self-pride (Aatma-Gaurav),’ ‘ he said.
Modi also lauded Monday’s successful testing of the Agni-5 missile as a “significant stride towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.”
Pushing for ‘Atma-Nirbharta’ (self-reliance), PM Modi asserted, “the vision of a developed India hinges upon a self-reliant India. To achieve development, we must diminish our reliance on external sources. Hence, India is prioritizing self-reliance across all sectors, from edible oil to cutting-edge aircraft.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of youth in bolstering the defence sector, he remarked, “over the past decade, the country’s defence production has more than doubled, surpassing Rs 1 lakh crore, with youth playing a pivotal role in this progress.”
Applauding the ongoing exercise, PM Modi declared, “this celebration of ‘Bharat Shakti’ resonates not only in Rajasthan, the epitome of valour, but also echoes across the globe.”
About Bharat Shakti
The integrated tri-service firepower and manoeuvre exercise was held for about 50 minutes at the Pokhran field firing range. The three services showcased the prowess of its indigenous defence equipment.
Roars of LCA Tejas and ALH Mk-IV filled the air while T-90 (IM) tanks, Dhanush and Sarang gun systems, Akash weapons system, logistics drones, robotic mules, advanced light helicopters and an array of unmanned aerial vehicles, among others from the Army ruled the firing ranges on ground. Platforms like the indigenous Pinaka rocket system and a swarm of drones left the audience spellbound.