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If India stays on this path, the centenary of independence will mark something far greater than economic progress. It will mark the moment when India became the guardian of its own destiny, powered by its own innovation and courage.
When we talk about India at 100, we often picture our cities, economy, and education system of the future. But the real backbone of that vision is our ability to protect it. A nation cannot truly stand tall if its defence rests on borrowed strength. For years, India’s armed forces fought with imported machines, foreign designs, and systems that came with limitations we didn’t create. That is exactly what the dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence is meant to change. The idea is simple but powerful. India wants to build what it fights with, use what it makes, and make what it needs. This journey toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing has quietly transformed from a slogan into a serious national mission. The numbers tell part of the story. In 2014, our defence exports barely touched ₹900 crore. By 2024, that figure had crossed ₹21,000 crore. That’s more than just progress; it’s confidence in motion.
Policies like the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP 2020) set a clear direction. Instead of importing, India is designing, developing, and producing within its borders. Public sector units that once worked in isolation are now joined by private industries, startups, and research institutions. The result is a growing ecosystem where innovation meets purpose. Through initiatives like iDEX, young engineers and entrepreneurs are solving problems that once needed foreign solutions. Defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are becoming the new powerhouses of production. They are pulling in investment, creating jobs, and supporting local industries. Projects like the Tejas aircraft, INS Vikrant, and Akash missiles are no longer just military assets; they are symbols of an India that trusts its own hands and minds.
But here’s what matters most. Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence isn’t just about manufacturing tanks and jets. It’s about strategic independence. It’s about ensuring that in the face of any global crisis, India doesn’t wait for someone else to supply what it should already own. It’s about self-respect and national pride. By 2047, India’s goal is not only to meet its defence needs but to emerge as a major exporter of advanced systems and technology. That requires consistent investment in R&D, policy stability, and closer coordination between the forces, industry, and academia.
If India stays on this path, the centenary of independence will mark something far greater than economic progress. It will mark the moment when India became the guardian of its own destiny, powered by its own innovation and courage.
The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at soulofkashmir1@gmail.com
