On Kargil Diwas, PM Modi hails INS Mahendragiri, DRDO's Pinaka and Kusha tests, calls for 'vocal for local' in Mann Ki Baat

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers on Kargil Diwas even as he underscored the country's march towards becoming Atmanirbhar in the field of defence production and space technology. In his monthly "Mann ki Baat" address, he encouraged people to buy Indian products and be "vocal for local".

"Today, alongside the courage of her soldiers, India is also continuously strengthening her technological capabilities. A few days ago, INS Mahendragiri was inducted into the Indian Navy. This modern warship has been designed and built in India itself. More than 75% of the materials used in it are indigenous. It is a symbol of the growing strength of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'," Modi said in his address.

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He also mentioned the successful testing of Pinaka-I Long Range Guided Rocket by DRDO earlier this month.

"Behind this success lies the collective perseverance of our scientists and engineers. Only two-three days ago, the DRDO also successfully tested the Kusha missile," he said. He underlined that India has made great strides in defence production, defence exports, and political cooperation with friendly nations.

"Earlier this month, I was in Indonesia, where a major agreement regarding BrahMos and Astra missiles was concluded. Global confidence in India's defence equipment and technology is growing," the prime minister said.