Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the Lok Sabha that India once led the world in defence manufacturing, but the Congress government, after Independence, weakened the sector by dismantling its capabilities.
“There was a time when Bharat was at the top in defence manufacturing. We made the world’s finest swords and equipment. But post-Independence, Congress deliberately dismantled this capability,” PM Modi said, recalling the country’s historical position in arms production.
The Prime Minister said that while the government is working towards Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence, the Opposition continues to rely on Pakistan even for its political messaging. “On one side, India is moving towards Aatmanirbharta, while on the other, Congress keeps leaning on Pakistan even for its political narratives,” he said.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said its success was made possible by the investment in indigenous defence systems over the past decade. “If we hadn’t spent the last decade building a self-reliant defence infrastructure, the cost during Operation Sindoor could have been devastating,” he said.
PM Modi added that Made-in-India drones, missiles and strategic systems were used in the operation, which, according to him, targeted terror networks deep inside Pakistan. “From Sindoor to Sindhu, the world witnessed the scale of our action. Our enemies now know — India will strike on its own terms, in its own time,” PM Modi said.
The PM also said that India’s actions were widely supported internationally. “During Operation Sindoor, 193 countries in the United Nations stood by India. Only three spoke in Pakistan’s favour,” he said. He added that despite global backing, the bravery of Indian soldiers did not receive similar support from the Opposition. “The world supported India, but, unfortunately, our soldiers’ bravery did not receive Congress’s support,” PM Modi said.
The PM reiterated that the Congress has questioned the government’s approach to counter-terror operations. “Earlier, they asked for proof after surgical strikes; now they question why the strike was stopped. Their pattern is clear — they only want to oppose,” he said.
— IANS