India Defence Indigenisation Roadmap and Modern Warfare Preparedness
Source:Indian Express ↗
ఇది ఎందుకు ముఖ్యం
This address lays down the clear strategic and security priorities of the government, directly linking to multiple high-yield UPSC GS-3 themes: Indigenisation of Technology (Make in India), critical infrastructure security (Mission Sudarshan Chakra), internal security/asymmetric warfare (cyber/drone threats), and security governance reforms (overhaul of civil defence). It also touches upon gender inclusion in defence services (GS-1 & GS-2).
సారాంశం
On the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India's strategic defence transformation from a reliance on foreign arms imports to domestic self-reliance, identifying hypersonics, drones, and counter-drone systems as the next military frontiers. Pointing out the changing nature of hybrid warfare—which now targets data centres, banks, and refineries—the PM highlighted the rapid progress of 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra' (a multi-layered air defence shield) and announced a complete modernization of India's obsolete Civil Defence volunteer network. He also emphasized the rising footprint of women leadership in the armed forces through the National Defence Academy (NDA).
ముఖ్య అంశాలు
- PM Modi declared a strategic transition for India from a major 'arms buyer' to an 'arms builder' and exporter, designating 'Raksha Shakti' as one of the seven streams of power carrying India towards its 'Viksit Bharat by 2047' vision.
- Over the past 12 years, India's defence production has grown nearly fourfold, and defence exports have surged 50-fold, reaching about 100 countries.
- The prime minister highlighted a fundamental shift in modern warfare, noting that battlefields have moved past traditional physical borders to target critical civilian infrastructure, including refineries, the banking system, and data centres.
- Work on 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra' is progressing rapidly. It will serve as an integrated, multi-layered air defence shield that connects short-range systems, counter-drone weapons, long-range surface-to-air missiles, and ballistic missile defence into a unified network.
- The government announced a major overhaul of the obsolete Civil Defence machinery to build a wider civil defence network and train a large volunteer force on modern asymmetric and technological threat systems.
- Nari Shakti (women power) in the armed forces was celebrated, specifically highlighting the operational and leadership achievements of women graduating from the National Defence Academy (NDA).
ముఖ్యమైన పదాలు
Mission Sudarshan Chakra
An ambitious indigenous, multi-layered air and missile defence programme spearheaded by DRDO to build an AI-enabled nationwide security shield protecting critical infrastructure from ballistic, drone, and hypersonic threats.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Security & Defence), tests knowledge of indigenous defence technologies, air defence networks, and modernization initiatives.
Viksit Bharat by 2047
The central government's vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047—the centenary of its independence—focusing on economic growth, sustainability, governance, and structural reforms.
UPSC context
GS Paper II & III (Governance & Economic Development), tests understanding of long-term development roadmaps and policy frameworks.
National Defence Academy (NDA)
The premier joint services training institution of India, training cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Women have been eligible to join since 2021 following a landmark Supreme Court directive.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Security) & Paper II (Social Justice), tests reforms in the armed forces and gender inclusion.
Vocal for Local
A policy initiative aimed at achieving self-reliance by promoting domestic products. It has been integrated into NITI Aayog's Aspirational Blocks Programme to bolster local microenterprises and economic resilience.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Indian Economy & Inclusive Growth), tests knowledge of rural development, MSME promotion, and self-reliance models.
Make in India
A flagship national initiative launched in 2014 designed to transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub, facilitating investment, fostering innovation, and boosting indigenous production, including defence.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Economy & Industrial Policy), tests strategies for manufacturing growth, investment, and defence indigenisation.
ప్రిలిమ్స్ ఉచ్చు
The Civil Defence volunteer network and its modernization are administered directly under the Ministry of Defence.
Civil Defence in India is governed by the Civil Defence Act, 1968, and operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), not the Ministry of Defence, serving as a citizen-centric auxiliary force.
అనుసంధానమైన స్థిర భావనలు
What is the statutory framework and administrative setup of Civil Defence in India?
- Statutory Basis: Enacted under the Civil Defence Act, 1968, to protect citizens and properties during hostile attacks.
- Nodal Ministry: Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), not the Ministry of Defence, as a state-implemented auxiliary force.
- 2009 Expansion: Amended in 2009 to explicitly incorporate disaster management and mitigation roles for its volunteers.
అంతర-అంశ నమూనాలు
Cyber-physical security + Critical Infrastructure
Modern hybrid warfare targeting refineries and data centres merges traditional military defence with India’s Critical Information Infrastructure protection frameworks under NCIIPC.
Indigenous manufacturing + Balance of Payments
The shift from major arms importer to exporter reduces foreign exchange outflows and improves the capital account, directly supporting India’s macroeconomic stability.
Multi-statement questions testing Project Kusha's range tiers and the administrative/statutory origin of India's Civil Defence Act.
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