INDIA’S SECURITY AND MODI GOVERNMENT

| Published on:

    The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is conducting the ‘Sankalp se Siddhi Abhiyan’ to mark the completion of 11 years of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s government. Across the country, press conferences, exhibitions, seminars, public meetings, and village-level Chaupal programmes are being organized to highlight the achievements of the Modi government.

Information about various government schemes is being shared through social media, and a variety of competitions are also being held. Historic accomplishments across multiple sectors—such as poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, national security, economic progress, cultural revival, and India’s growing global stature—stand as testimony to the progress made over the past 11 years. Many organizations and eminent personalities from India and around the world have praised these historic accomplishments. Similar landmark achievements have also been recorded in the field of defence.

Chanakya Niti states, “Shastraen Rakshite Rashtra, Shastra Chinta Pravartate”—the contemplation of knowledge (Shastra) is possible only when the nation is secure in all respects. No matter how noble a principle may be, its success ultimately depends on the strength of those who uphold it. This is why scholars have often emphasized that power is the foundation of peace. India’s famous poet, Shri Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, echoed this sentiment in his famous verse: “Kshama shobhati us bhujang ko jiske paas garal ho.”

At its 1964 session in Patna, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh passed a resolution urging that India must make every effort to develop an atomic bomb. A document titled “Principles and Policies” also emphasized the need for India to possess nuclear weapons. While presenting the resolution, it was observed that all revered gods and goddesses in Indian tradition are depicted as armed to uphold Dharma. Therefore, it was argued, Maa Bharati too should be equipped with nuclear weapons. In alignment with this vision, the NDA government led by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee enhanced India’s global stature by conducting the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998 (note: the correct year is 1998, not 1999). After Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, the government adopted a decisive, security-first approach to safeguard India’s national interests. A key example of this is the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. In contrast to the previous Congress-led government, which was often criticized for allegedly using respectful terms like “ji” for terrorists and purportedly offering them biryani, the Modi government empowered the armed forces and security agencies with greater operational freedom and provided them with modern equipment to combat terrorism more effectively.

The defence budget of India has seen a significant increase—from Rs. 2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to Rs. 6.81 lakh crore for 2025–26, which is more than three times higher. According to the 2015 CAG report, the Indian Army then had ammunition reserves sufficient for only 20 days. Today, the situation has drastically improved. At the individual soldier level, troops are now equipped with indigenously manufactured, high-quality bulletproof jackets, advanced helmets, new battle dress uniforms (NBDU), night vision devices (NVDs), and thermal imagers—enhancing their safety and operational effectiveness. After the formation of Modi government, a historic decision was taken to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to improve tri-service coordination. The importance of this decision was clearly seen during Operation Sindoor, where the three branches of the armed forces operated in seamless coordination. Long-pending decisions related to arms procurement have also been resolved at an accelerated pace. The purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France is a prominent example of this proactive approach. Due to this modernization and strategic clarity, the Indian Army is now counted among the best in the world. Our forces are equipped with advanced systems like the S-400 air defense system, Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, Israeli drones, Hammer missiles, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, LCH Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter), the fully indigenous Tejas fighter jet, the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, and Varunastra, an advanced anti-submarine torpedo. During Operation Sindoor, India demonstrated its enhanced capabilities by successfully hitting designated targets and neutralizing enemy drones and missiles—a testament to the growing strength and preparedness of our armed forces.

Over the course of these highly successful 11 years, India has not only acquired advanced weaponry from foreign nations but has also embraced the mantra of self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defense production. Today, we are manufacturing a wide range of modern and advanced indigenous weapons within the country.

Notable achievements include the construction of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, the development of the Akash air defense system, and the production of Rustom UAV drones by DRDO in Lucknow. In a landmark example of international collaboration with domestic capability, India is co-producing the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in partnership with Russia. Additionally, Tata-Dassault is set to manufacture key components of the Rafale fighter jet in Hyderabad. As a result of these efforts, defense production has increased by an impressive 174% over the past 10 years—from Rs. 46,529 crore in 2014–15 to Rs. 1,27,265 crore in 2023–24. This growth not only strengthens our national security but also positions India as a rising hub for global defense manufacturing.

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh Ji – in his address on 17 November 2021 (“Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv”, Jhansi) said-“India cannot fulfil its strategic and security needs by depending on other countries… The government is constantly working towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.”

Thanks to the policy of self-reliance in the defense sector, India has transformed from being a buyer (importing country) to becoming a seller (exporting country) of defense equipment. Between 2004 and 2014, India exported defense goods worth only Rs. 4,312 crore. However, from 2014 to 2024, this figure has surged to Rs. 88,319 crore. Remarkably, in just one year (2024–25) alone, India has exported defense goods worth Rs. 23,622 crore. By reducing defense imports by 21%, the government has successfully increased defense exports by 34% over the past 11 years. Today, India exports defense products to more than 80 countries around the world. The growing global demand for Indian-made weapons—especially after the successful deployment of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor—is a strong indicator of the rising confidence in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.

The Modi government’s firm resolve to make the country Naxal-free has significantly strengthened public confidence in the administration. The influence of Naxal violence has sharply declined, and people involved in such activities are now facing their final days. In 2014, a total of 126 districts were affected by Naxal terrorism. As of 2025, that number has been drastically reduced to just 6 districts. Many high-profile and most-wanted Naxal leaders have been neutralized in encounters, delivering a major blow to the movement. With sustained efforts and unwavering political will, the vision of a Naxalism-free India is becoming a reality. If this momentum continues, it is likely that the next generation may only know Naxalism as a thing of the past.

Presenting a powerful example of freedom from colonial and slavery mentality, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 2nd September 2022, unveiled the new flag of the Indian Navy in Kochi. The redesigned flag replaced the colonial-era St. George’s Cross with an octagonal symbol inspired by the royal seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This new emblem features the Ashoka Pillar, an anchor, and the Navy’s motto ‘Sham no Varunah’—a symbol of India’s rich maritime heritage and national pride.

The resolve of New India is clear: We do not merely speak of eliminating terrorism; we act. This has been demonstrated through surgical strikes, air strikes, and most recently, Operation Sindoor. The message is firm—“Blood and water will not flow together.” By revoking the Indus Waters Treaty, India has made its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism evident to the global community.

Several initiatives underline this commitment to national security and military pride: Welfare schemes for ex-servicemen, The launch of the Agniveer Yojana, Worship of Rafale jets on Vijayadashami, The Prime Minister’s presence among soldiers during Diwali, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s visits to forward military posts. Each of these actions reflects our unwavering resolve for a secure and self-reliant India.

Furthermore, the all-party delegation sent after Operation Sindoor stands as a commendable diplomatic effort, showcasing national unity on the global stage. It effectively exposed Pakistan’s terrorist agenda and powerfully articulated India’s position on terrorism before the international community. These efforts by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to strengthen India’s security have successfully instilled a deep sense of confidence among the citizens—that under his leadership, the nation is in safe and capable hands.

{The writer is National Joint General Secretary (Organization), BJP}