Reigniting ‘Swadeshi’ for an Atmanirbhar Bharat

 

India’s 79th Independence Day this time had a different background. This time’s Independence Day was celebrated against the backdrop of events such as ‘Operation Sindoor’, which was carried out to destroy terrorist bases in Pakistan and teach a lesson to the Pakistani rulers who support terrorists, and the US’s announcement of imposing a 50 percent import duty on Indian goods.

In this context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech from the Red Fort, revived the mantra of Swadeshi for an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The Prime Minister said with great pride that the success of Operation Sindoor has demonstrated a glimpse of an Atmanirbhar Bharat in the field of defence. Behind the success of the Indian Army, which defeated a ‘terrorist and nuclear-armed country’ in just 72 hours under Operation Sindoor, is the unprecedented contribution of indigenous companies in the field of defence production.

This contribution alone makes this victory even more special. Paras Defence and Space Technologies manufactures a large number of infrared optics as well as components required for space and missile programmes. Bharat Electronics Limited, a Navratna public sector company, manufactures radar, sonar and electronic warfare systems and many critical equipment.

While Apollo Micro Systems manufactures electronic solutions for aerospace and defence systems, IIT Bombay-based Ideaforge Technology stands to be the largest manufacturer of UAV drones in India.

The company’s SWITCH and NETRA V4 are used for defence and industrial purposes. Bharat Dynamics’ deadly missiles have been used. Adani Defence and Aerospace, which provides state-of-the-art drones, radars and high-tech air defence systems, also contributed to the success of Operation Sindoor. Not one or two, but ten to twelve indigenous companies directly contributed to Operation Sindoor.

Around 50 indigenous companies in the country are doing revolutionary work in India’s defence manufacturing sector today. In Operation Sindoor itself, India had shown the world how India’s missile system had defeated China’s air-defence system. India had also put up an exhibition of the remains of downed Chinese drones and missiles shot down by India’s S-400 system.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh recently informed that India shot down at least 5 fighter jets and 1 surveillance aircraft of Pakistan in ‘Operation Sindoor’. Pakistan’s surveillance aircraft was shot down by the Indian defence system from a distance of about 300 km.

This is the largest land-to-air downing of an aircraft ever recorded. While doing this, India’s anti-missile system shot down many Pakistani missiles. It was only natural that this achievement of India would gain worldwide recognition.

After the success of Operation Sindoor, while trade negotiations with India were underway, the US announced a 50 percent import duty on India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had responded to this US decision in measured and precise words, saying “We will never compromise with the interests of the country’s farmers.”

Against the backdrop of this development, the Prime Minister reignited the ideal of Swadeshi in his speech at the Red Fort. In this speech, the Prime Minister mentioned in detail the efforts being made by the country to become self-reliant. The Prime Minister appealed to Indian innovators and youth to develop jet engines in India.

The Prime Minister announced an ambitious plan for India’s own space station for self-reliance in the space sector. To ensure the supply of resources required for energy, industry and defence, India has launched a National Critical Mineral Mission, under which around 1200 sites are being explored. Gaining control over these minerals is important for strategic autonomy, which will make India’s industrial and defence sectors self-reliant.

Through the National Deep Water Exploration Mission, India will tap into the energy resources of the deep sea, which will strengthen energy self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign fuel imports. The Prime Minister highlighted the urgent need for domestic production of fertilizers to empower farmers and for national food security. Reducing fertilizer imports will make the agriculture sector independently prosperous, benefit farmers and strengthen India’s economic sovereignty.

The Prime Minister called on the youth to develop indigenous social media platforms and digital infrastructure. While touching upon these points, the Prime Minister also appealed to the citizens to preferentially buy goods and products made in the country (Vocal for Local).

The Prime Minister’s appeal regarding the concepts of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swadeshi is very clear. Those who have been always taught to live dependently cannot truly understand what it means to be self-reliant.

The idea of self-reliance is about moving away from an economy based on exploitation and moving toward inclusive development, where even the underprivileged become stakeholders in the system.

‘What I can produce at home, I will not bring from the market; what is produced in my village or city and available in the market, I will not bring from outside; what is produced in my state, I will not go to a foreign state for; what is produced and available in my country, I will not bring from abroad. If something is not produced in my country, and cannot be produced here, but is essential for life, then I will procure it from abroad.

However, even that purchase will be on my terms. No trade can be one-sided. It must involve conditions and agreements from both sides. I will do only that which is beneficial to my country, and I will not do it under any pressure.” In these very simple words, Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat clearly explained the concept of Swadeshi.

Now, in the coming times, Indian citizens must awaken to the mantra of Swadeshi and step forward with determination to achieve the goal of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Without bowing to any powerful nations, the mantra of Swadeshi will truly serve as the firm and resounding answer to any pressures.

 

(Article Pre-Published in Times of India Online – 18 August, 2025) 

Keshav Upadhye, Chief Spokesperson