Swadeshi is India’s greatest strength: PM Modi highlights self-reliance in Mann ki Baat

29/06/2026

New Delhi, Jun 28: Prime Minister Nare-ndra Modi on Sunday underscored India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and indigenous innovation, asserting that the country's greatest strength lies in Swadeshi and that the march towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat is steadily gathering momentum with active public participation.
In the 135th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi reflected on the achievements of the first half of 2026, saying the country had registered significant progress in defence, technology, sports, culture, environmental conservation and social welfare. Highlighting recent milestones in indigenous defence production, the Prime Minister said the induction of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray into the Indian Navy represented a landmark achievement for India's domestic shipbuilding capability.
"Everything-from the design to the manufacturing of these ships-is indigenous," Modi said, adding that the country's security architecture was becoming stronger through homegrown technology and manufacturing. He also cited the maiden flight of the Made-in-India C-295 transport aircraft, noting that 40 such aircraft were currently being manufactured in the country. According to Modi, the project is creating employment, boosting the MSME and aerospace sectors, and strengthening India's self-reliance in aviation.
The Prime Minister further welcomed the successful test of the indigenous long-range land-attack cruise missile developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian industry partners.
"From the seas to the skies, our India is becoming increasingly secure and self-reliant," he said.
Modi also praised the global celebration of the International Day of Yoga, noting that yoga events were organised at more than 2,500 locations worldwide while crores of people participated across India. He congratulated Indian athletes for finishing on top at the World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad with 114 medals, including 102 gold medals. Stressing the power of collective action, the Prime Minister thanked citizens for responding positively to his appeal made in view of the prevailing situation in West Asia to limit gold purchases, defer foreign holidays, embrace carpooling and increase the use of natural fertilisers. "I am grateful to every citizen of the country; not only have they supported my appeal, they are also actively cooperating in every way," he said. Modi said many families had chosen to recycle old jewellery instead of buying new gold for weddings, while others had postponed overseas travel and adopted carpooling and public transport to reduce fuel consumption.
"I am happy that we Indians are facing this global crisis together. I am confident that this very power of public participation will strengthen us and lead us to success," he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted a social welfare initiative by a family in Maharashtra's Nanded district, which arranged accident insurance for nearly 3,500 villagers during a wedding. Calling it an inspiring example of community service, he urged citizens to spread awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, which provide affordable insurance coverage to crores of people. Addressing the issue of superstition, Modi referred to Assam's successful Hargila bird conservation campaign led by biologist Purnima Devi Barman and the women-led "Hargila Army", saying scientific awareness and public participation had transformed social attitudes.
The Prime Minister also applauded grassroots sporting initiatives such as the Nagaland Baby League and the Nagaland Women Futsal League for nurturing young talent and encouraging greater participation of girls in sports. Speaking on emerging technologies, Modi said India must embrace artificial intelligence without losing touch with its civilisational roots.
He praised Nalanda University for reviving the ancient tradition of Shaastraarth through structured intellectual dialogue and welcomed the Central Sanskrit University's new B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, saying it would help develop AI tools for Indian languages and preserve the country's ancient manuscripts.
Highlighting India's expanding cultural footprint abroad, Modi referred to the "Brahmakamal Dominicana" initiative in the Dominican Republic, where local Spanish-speaking residents are studying Vedic literature and learning Sanskrit chants, describing it as a reflection of the growing global appeal of Indian culture.
He also commended the conservation of Meghalaya's living root bridges, calling them a unique symbol of harmony between humans and nature. He noted that local communities were maintaining more than 120 such bridges and welcomed India's efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the structures.
The Prime Minister praised women in Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh district for transforming plastic waste into eco-bricks used in public spaces, describing the initiative as an exemplary model of community-led environmental conservation. Ahead of Ganesh Utsav, Modi appealed to people to buy eco-friendly clay idols crafted by local artisans instead of Plaster of Paris idols.
"When we purchase idols from local artisans, we strengthen the resolve of being 'Vocal for Local'," he said.
Concluding the broadcast, Modi said India's greatest strength was its people and their willingness to work collectively for the nation.
"The various efforts-big and small-taking place across the country teach us a great deal. These endeavours demonstrate that when there is determination and the support of society, significant change can be achieved," he said, urging citizens to continue supporting the 'Catch the Rain' campaign and conserve every drop of rainwater.

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