11 Years of Raksha Shakti: PM Modi Applauds India’s Defence Transformation, Focuses on Self-Reliance and Modernisation
New Delhi, June 11, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took to social media to highlight the remarkable transformation in India’s defence sector over the last 11 years, citing key strides in modernisation, indigenous innovation, and a growing export capability that reflects the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
In a post shared on his official account on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said:
"The last 11 years have marked significant changes in our defence sector, with a clear focus on both modernisation and becoming self-reliant when it comes to defence production. It is gladdening to see how the people of India have come together with the resolve of making India stronger! #11YearsOfRakshaShakti"
This statement comes as part of a national campaign celebrating “11 Years of Raksha Shakti,” which traces India’s journey from import dependence to becoming a credible arms exporter.
From Importer to Exporter: A Decade of Strategic Change
Before 2014, India was among the world’s largest importers of defence equipment. But with the launch of initiatives like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the country has gradually shifted towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, the government has:
- Increased defence exports to over ₹21,000 crore in recent years
- Commissioned indigenous aircraft carriers, like INS Vikrant
- Supported the development of homegrown fighter jets such as the HAL Tejas
- Deployed advanced indigenous systems like the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile
- Opened up private sector participation in defence R&D and production
Ministry of Defence Echoes PM’s Vision
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and senior officials echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments with a post on X that detailed the transformation:
"Over the past 11 years, under PM @narendramodi's visionary leadership, India’s defence sector has transformed from import-dependent to a global exporter, powered by #AatmanirbharBharat & #MakeInIndia. Indigenous innovations like #brahmosmissile & advanced submarines have fortified our security and global standing. Defence exports now reach 100+ countries, marking a historic rise in #selfreliance. As we celebrate #11YearsOfRakshaShakti, we salute the strides toward a safer, stronger India."
This declaration aligns with the government’s broader objective of making India a net defence exporter and reducing strategic dependence on foreign powers.
Milestones in 11 Years of Raksha Shakti
The last 11 years have witnessed several game-changing developments that illustrate India’s shift in defence posture:
Rise in Defence Exports
- Defence exports have jumped from ₹1,940 crore in 2014-15 to over ₹21,000 crore by 2024-25
- Export destinations include countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America
- Products exported: Radars, protective gear, coastal surveillance systems, LCA Tejas parts, BrahMos missiles
Commissioning of INS Vikrant
- India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier
- Strengthens blue-water capabilities and signals India's naval advancement
Development of HAL Tejas
- Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) designed by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)
- Now being exported and considered by multiple countries for procurement
Indigenous Missile Systems
- Expansion of the BrahMos missile program, a joint India-Russia venture
- Development of indigenous air defence systems like Akash and DRDO’s QRSAM
Strategic Shift: From Buyer to Builder
One of the biggest shifts has been the strategic approach. India is now focusing on "design and development" rather than just procurement.
Key Initiatives:
- Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 encourages Indian vendors
- Positive Indigenisation Lists banning imports of hundreds of defence items to promote local production
- Strengthened DRDO-industry-academia collaboration
This ecosystem aims to position India as a hub for cutting-edge defence tech and manufacturing, not just for its own needs but also to meet global demand.
Private Sector Participation Grows
Previously dominated by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), India's defence industry has opened up to the private sector:
- Companies like Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, Adani Defence, and L&T are developing critical systems
- FDI in defence sector raised to 74% through automatic route
This shift brings investment, competition, and innovation into the fold, enhancing the sector's global competitiveness.
Defence Innovation: Startups and R&D
Under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) program, startups and MSMEs are now key contributors:
- Over 300 startups funded
- Focus on AI-based surveillance, autonomous systems, drone tech, and secure communications
This decentralized approach aims to democratize defence innovation and promote rapid tech adoption.
Implications for India’s Global Position
India’s rise as a defence exporter enhances its geopolitical clout:
- Offers strategic alternatives to smaller nations seeking affordable defence solutions
- Strengthens bilateral ties via defence diplomacy
- Supports a multipolar Indo-Pacific balance
According to defence analysts, this strategic self-reliance boosts India’s resilience in global conflicts and crises.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the progress, challenges remain:
- Need for supply chain robustness and quality consistency
- Addressing delays in procurement cycles
- Bridging the gap between tech prototypes and scalable production
Industry experts suggest a more streamlined policy framework and faster decision-making to overcome these hurdles.
Reader Takeaway: A New Defence Era for India
As India celebrates #11YearsOfRakshaShakti, it's clear the defence sector has undergone a historic transformation. With a strong push for Make in India, a thriving startup ecosystem, rising exports, and powerful indigenous capabilities, the nation is well on its path to strategic autonomy.
PM Modi’s vision, backed by decisive policy shifts and an innovation-driven ecosystem, has redefined India’s military-industrial complex.
What’s Next?
- Continued investment in AI, space-based defence, and cybersecurity
- Strengthening Indo-Pacific naval dominance
- Further diversification of export destinations
- Creating global defence manufacturing hubs in India