Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone for development and defence-related projects worth approximately ₹47,600 crore during his visit to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Addressing a large public gathering, the Prime Minister said that the visit, initially scheduled for April 24, was postponed following the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam.
Paying tribute to Shubham Dwivedi, a resident of Kanpur who lost his life in the attack, the Prime Minister said the entire nation shares the sorrow and anguish of the victims. He also highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the attacks, noting that the Indian armed forces destroyed terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and forced the adversary to plead for de-escalation.
Reaffirming India’s stance against terrorism, the Prime Minister said, “Our response will be decisive. The timing and nature of our actions will be determined solely by our forces. India will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail or make distinctions between state and non-state actors in Pakistan.” He added that Operation Sindoor is not yet over, and India will eliminate threats wherever they exist.
Highlighting the strength of indigenous defence capabilities, PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased the impact of ‘Make in India’, with domestically produced weapons like the BrahMos missile hitting targets with precision. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making India self-reliant in defence, stating that the era of dependence on foreign countries for military needs is ending.
He also pointed to the major role Uttar Pradesh is playing in this transformation, noting that seven historic ordnance factories, including the one in Kanpur, have now been converted into advanced defence production units. He underlined that the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, especially the Kanpur node, is emerging as a key centre for the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.
The Prime Minister informed the gathering that AK-203 rifle production has already commenced in Amethi, and the BrahMos missile system now has a new base in Uttar Pradesh, signalling the state’s growing stature in defence manufacturing. He added that with these developments, Uttar Pradesh is poised to lead India’s journey towards becoming a major defence exporter.
The Prime Minister said that these investments will not only strengthen India’s defence sector but also create new employment opportunities for thousands of youth in the region. He expressed confidence that the upcoming defence-related projects will boost the state’s economy and industrial capabilities.