Operation Sindoor demonstrates India’s strength, self-reliance and strategic autonomy: PM Modi on 79th Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India’s strategic autonomy and defense self-reliance. 

Speaking from the Red Fort on India’s 79th Independence Day, he said the armed forces dismantled terror networks and Pakistan-based infrastructure using made-in-India weapons, marking a new era in which India will not bow to nuclear blackmail or foreign threats.

“Indigenous capabilities, including Made-in-India weapons, enable India to act decisively and independently,” PM Modi said, adding that self-reliance and strategic autonomy are central to India’s security, dignity, and the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Indus Waters Treaty: India will not compromise

The prime minister addressed the Indus Waters Treaty, saying, “India has now decided, blood and water will not flow together. The people have realised that the treaty was unjust. Water from the Indus River system irrigated enemy lands while our farmers suffered.” He emphasized that India will act decisively on its national interests using domestic technology and defense platforms.

Call for self-reliant defense technology

The prime minister said self-reliance is a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat, warning that dependence on others undermines national independence. “Self-reliance is not just about exports, imports, the rupee, or the dollar. It is about our capabilities, our strength to stand on our own,” he said.

PM Modi urged Indian innovators and youth to develop jet engines domestically, citing India’s achievements with COVID vaccines and UPI as examples. “Our scientists and youth must take it up as a direct challenge,” he said, stressing the need for entirely home-grown defense technology.

India’s space ambitions and startup innovation

Highlighting the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, PM Modi further announced plans for India’s own space station, signaling a new era of domestic space capabilities. He said over 300 start-ups are innovating in satellite technology, space exploration, and cutting-edge research, ensuring India leads globally in space science.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called PM Modi’s address “excellent and inspiring.” In a post on X, he said the prime minister outlined a roadmap for India’s progress and national security while celebrating the country’s achievements and future potential.