Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ‘Bharat Shakti’ Tri-Services Live Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise at the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan. The exercise, aimed at showcasing the prowess of indigenously manufactured defense equipment across all three services, aligned with India’s commitment to self-reliance and showcased capabilities in multi-domain operations.
During the event, PM Modi emphasized the significance of reducing dependence on others to make India self-reliant, highlighting the focus on ‘atmanirbharta’ across various sectors. He praised the youth’s role in the defense sector’s growth, noting that defense production in the last decade has more than doubled, surpassing ₹1 lakh crore. Over 150 defense startups have emerged in the past 10 years, and forces have committed orders worth ₹1,800 crore to these startups.
#WATCH | At the Exercise Bharat Shakti in Pokhran, Rajasthan, PM Narendra Modi says “…India becoming self-reliant in defence needs is also a guarantee of confidence in the armies. At the time of war, when the armies know that the weapons they are using are their own and will… pic.twitter.com/jwP4cCKFG6
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2024
The integrated tri-service firepower and manoeuvre exercise, lasting approximately 50 minutes, featured a wide array of indigenous weapon systems, including T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons System, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules, Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), and various unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Indian Navy showcased naval anti-ship missiles, autonomous cargo-carrying aerial vehicles, and expendable aerial targets, emphasizing maritime strength and technological sophistication. The Indian Air Force displayed indigenous aircraft, including the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters, demonstrating air superiority and versatility in air operations.
#WATCH | Rajasthan | Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with delegates from more than 30 countries, witnesses exercise “Bharat Shakti” at the Pokhran field firing range in Jaisalmer. pic.twitter.com/33u8BewMQU
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2024
PM Modi, along with delegates from over 30 nations, witnessed the ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise, expressing the call of a ‘new India’ through the roar of aircraft mid-air and valor displayed on the ground. He described Pokhran as a witness to India’s self-reliance, belief, and self-pride, underscoring the importance of indigenous capabilities.
#WATCH | Rajasthan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ at the Pokhran field firing range in Jaisalmer. pic.twitter.com/jRActikcTu
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2024
The ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise symbolizes India’s commitment to self-reliance and Aatmanirbharata, showcasing the calibrated tactical employment of niche technology in a tri-services environment against perceived threats. The event reflects the Indian armed forces’ drive to become self-reliant and demonstrates integrated operational capabilities to counter threats across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.
#WATCH | Rajasthan | Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Pokhran field firing range in Jaisalmer. pic.twitter.com/dwaNantRmS
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2024
Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande highlighted the display of firepower capability and operational readiness of all three defense forces, showcasing key equipment and weapons systems. The exercise aims to simulate realistic, synergized, multi-domain operations, demonstrating India’s preparedness to counter threats effectively.
The ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise marks a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities, presenting a formidable display of indigenous technologies and innovations across the armed forces. As the nation continues its journey toward self-reliance, such demonstrations contribute to strengthening the defense sector and fostering national security.
