 Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, July 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that India is continuously scaling new heights in defence production, military exports and also in the field of political cooperation with friendly nations.
Addressing his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat', he also paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil war in 1999.
The prime minister, however, did not refer to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests on the NEET paper leak issue which concluded on Saturday after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Education Minister and acceptance of the protesters' other demands by the government. Recording of the Mann Ki Baat is normally done two to three days ahead of the scheduled broadcast.
Referring to the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', the prime minister said there are certain days in people's lives that do not require a calendar to be remembered.
"Today, the 26th of July, is one such date. Today is 'Kargil Vijay Diwas'. This day fills us with pride. This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers.
"Towering peaks of Kargil, harsh weather, the challenge posed by the enemy - our soldiers faced every such circumstance, yet their spirit was greater than every challenge," he said.
Modi said India of today not only remembers her heroes but also conveys their saga to the new generation and, with this very sentiment, a special 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' has been organised this year.
The prime minister said alongside the courage of the soldiers, India is also continuously strengthening its technological capabilities.
He said a few days ago, INS Mahendragiri was inducted into the Indian Navy and this modern warship has been designed and built in India itself. "More than 75 per cent of the materials used in it are indigenous. It is a symbol of the growing strength of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'," he said.
Modi said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also successfully tested the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket this month and behind this success lies the collective perseverance of the scientists and engineers.
Only two-three days ago, the DRDO also successfully tested the Kusha missile, he said. "Whether it is defence production, defence exports, or political cooperation with friendly nations, India is continuously scaling new heights," he said. The prime minister said when he was in Indonesia early this month, a major agreement regarding BrahMos and Astra missiles was concluded, and this reflected that global confidence in India's defence equipment and technology is growing.
Referring to India's first rocket developed by the private sector, he said every Indian is filled with pride following the successful launch of 'Vikram-1' last Sunday.
"All of us Indians were witnesses to this historic moment for India's space sector. Our young innovators achieved something that was once difficult to even imagine - they displayed remarkable skill, passion and patience," he said. |
