What are the defense initiatives which India has taken under Modi?

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has undertaken several significant defense initiatives aimed at modernizing its military, enhancing self-reliance, and strengthening its defense capabilities. Here are some key initiatives:

  1. Make in India and Self-Reliance in Defense
  • Objective: Promote indigenous manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.
  • Initiatives:
  • Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016: Emphasizes indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured equipment.
  • Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Introduces a new category, “Buy (Global-Manufacture in India),” encouraging foreign OEMs to set up manufacturing units in India.
  • Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX): Fosters innovation and technology development in defense and aerospace by engaging startups and MSMEs.

2. Modernization of Armed Forces

    • Objective: Upgrade and modernize the Indian armed forces with advanced technology and equipment.
    • Initiatives:
    • Rafale Jets: Acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France to enhance the IAF’s combat capabilities.
    • Apache and Chinook Helicopters: Procurement of advanced Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from the US.
    • S-400 Triumf: Purchase of S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia.

    3. Strategic Partnerships and International Cooperation

      • Objective: Strengthen defense ties with other countries and collaborate on technology and development.
      • Initiatives:
      • QUAD Alliance: Cooperation with the US, Japan, and Australia to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
      • Defense Agreements: Bilateral agreements with countries like the US, Russia, France, Israel, and others for technology transfer, joint exercises, and defense production.

      4. Infrastructure Development

        • Objective: Improve infrastructure along borders for better mobility and operational readiness.
        • Initiatives:
        • Border Roads Organization (BRO): Accelerated construction of roads, tunnels, and bridges in border areas.
        • Strategic Railway Lines: Development of railway lines in critical regions to ensure rapid troop deployment.

        5. Space and Cyber Defense

          • Objective: Enhance capabilities in space and cyber warfare.
          • Initiatives:
          • Mission Shakti: Successfully conducted an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test, demonstrating India’s space defense capabilities.
          • Defense Cyber Agency: Established to tackle cyber threats and enhance cybersecurity infrastructure.

          6. Reforms and Policy Changes

            • Objective: Streamline defense administration and promote efficiency.
            • Initiatives:
            • Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): Creation of the CDS position to ensure better coordination among the three armed services.
            • Agnipath Scheme: Introduction of a new short-term recruitment model for the armed forces to bring down the average age of personnel and infuse fresh talent.

            7. Indigenization of Key Defense Equipment

              Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA): Continued production and induction of the indigenously developed fighter jet
              These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to strengthening India’s defense capabilities through modernization, indigenization, and international collaboration. The emphasis on self-reliance in defense manufacturing aligns with the broader vision of making India a global manufacturing hub.

              Objective: Develop indigenous defense capabilities.

              Initiatives:

              INS Vikrant: Commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier.

              Arjun Mark 1A: Induction of the advanced version of the Arjun Main Battle Tank.

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