New Delhi : On the eve of the 75th Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the imperative for the armed forces, military-civilian bureaucracy, and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to streamline their operations, eliminate cost overruns, and address project delays. The focus is on advancing the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India), particularly in the realm of defence manufacturing.
In a high-level review meeting held on January 13, Modi directed top officials to ensure complete accountability in Indian defence planning. The meeting, attended by key figures including Dr PK Mishra (Principal Secretary to PM), Ajit Doval (National Security Adviser), Gen Anil Chauhan (Chief of Defence Staff), Admiral R Hari Kumar (Chief of Naval Staff), Giridhar Aramane (Defence Secretary), and Dr Samir V Kamat (Secretary DRDO and Chairman DRDO), focused on the need for a comprehensive evaluation of existing defence platforms before initiating new projects.
While the specifics of the meeting remain classified, it is understood that Modi urged participants to adopt a forward-looking approach to defence manufacturing, considering the long-term implications. He emphasized the importance of conducting audits on platforms currently in use by the armed forces to ensure judicious allocation of resources. Modi sought accountability for cost overruns and project delays, especially in projects involving significant financial investments and prolonged timelines.
This directive aligns with the government’s commitment to saving resources, with the intention of redirecting funds towards welfare programs such as the PM Awas Yojana, which aims to provide housing for the underprivileged. The emphasis on fiscal responsibility and efficiency underscores the government’s broader strategy to bolster self-reliance in the defence sector while prioritizing social welfare initiatives.
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