Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Mann Ki Baat address on Kargil Diwas to remember the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers while also pointing to India’s growing defence strength. The message combined tribute to the armed forces with a broader emphasis on building military capability at home.
Modi highlighted INS Mahendragiri, describing the indigenous warship as a sign of India’s push for self-reliance in defence production. He also referred to the successful tests of the Pinaka-I rocket and the Kusha missile, presenting them as examples of progress in homegrown military technology.
The remarks tied national security to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, with Modi again stressing the importance of being “vocal for local.” In that context, defence manufacturing was portrayed not only as a strategic need but also as an area where domestic innovation and production are gaining momentum.
By linking Kargil Diwas remembrance with recent defence milestones, the prime minister framed military self-reliance as part of honoring the service of India’s soldiers. The address underscored both commemoration of past sacrifice and the country’s continued focus on strengthening indigenous defence capability.
