Transformation of India’s defence and internal security posture

By R Anil Kumar

• The India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is now more confident, modern, and proactive approach to challenges, both external and internal.

• Unlike in the past, India has become a global force to reckon with, a nation that speaks on issues from a position of strength.

Bengaluru. Over the years, India’s defence and internal security posture has undergone a profound transformation. The shift has been marked by greater clarity of purpose, stronger deterrence, and a sustained drive for self-reliance.

Strengthening Defence Capacity

India’s defence expenditure has steadily increased, rising from Rs. 2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to Rs. 6.81 lakh crore in 2025–26.

Presently, the focus has shifted from acquiring weapons to building domestic capacity. In 2024–25, defence production touched a record Rs. 1.50 lakh crore, more than three times the 2014–15 level.

Fighter jets, missile systems, artillery systems, warships, naval vessels, aircraft carriers and a lot more are now being made in India, underlining how strongly self-reliance and deterrence have become the cornerstone of national security.

Defence exports grew thirty-four times over the last decade, reaching Rs. 23,622 crore in 2024–25. Indian equipment is now exported to over 100 nations, including the United States, France, and Armenia.

Self-Reliance through Defence Acquisition & Indigenisation Reforms

In the last decade, India’s defence policy has been guided by the principle of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). The government has pushed through structural reforms to reduce import dependence, boost indigenous production, and build a globally competitive defence ecosystem.

Responding to Cross-Border Terror

India has adopted a firm and clear approach towards cross-border terrorism. The pattern of action over the last decade reflects this policy. After the Uri attack in 2016, India carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control. Following the Pulwama attack in 2019, India launched precision air strikes on a terrorist camp in Balakot.

The most recent and defining operation came in May 2025 with Operation Sindoor. In response to the killing of civilians in Pahalgam, India gave its armed forces full freedom of action. Using drones and precision munitions, they struck nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

More than one hundred terrorists were eliminated, including individuals linked to the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack. Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes through drones and missiles, but Indian counter-drone systems neutralised them.

In his Independence Day address of 2025, PM Modi described Operation Sindoor as “a new normal,” making it clear that India will respond with full force whenever terrorism threatens its citizens.

PM Modi’s Five ‘New Normals’ on Pakistan

PM Modi has repeatedly laid down clear boundaries in dealing with Pakistan. These five red lines now define India’s approach:

Firm response to terror attacks – Any attack on India will be met with a decisive reply.

No tolerance for nuclear blackmail – Nuclear threats will not prevent India from striking terrorist bases.

No distinction between terrorists and their sponsors – Both will be held equally accountable.

Terrorism first in any talks – Engagement with Pakistan, if it happens, will focus only on terrorism or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Zero compromise on sovereignty – “Terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and blood and water cannot flow together.”

This tectonic shift reflects the deep resolve to see the country as Viksit Bharat in every sense in the years to come. It also reaffirms that this government does not merely believe in rhetoric but has done and is continuing to do what it takes to make Bharat Viksit.

Introduction

In the last eleven years, India’s defence and internal security posture under the government of PM Narendra Modi has undergone a profound transformation. The shift has been marked by greater clarity of purpose, stronger deterrence, and a sustained drive for self-reliance. This government has consistently underlined that national security is non-negotiable, and to ensure this security India will build her own capacity and preparedness. This has resulted in a more confident, modern, and proactive approach to challenges both external and internal. Unlike in the past, India under the present Government has become a global force to reckon with, a nation that speaks on issues from a position of strength.

Atmanirbharta Beyond Defence

India’s journey of self-reliance has expanded beyond defence into food, health, energy, technology, and financial inclusion. Prime Minister Modi has emphasised that national security now includes these vital sectors, ensuring that the nation remains resilient against global challenges while steadily moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030.

Financial Inclusion

RBI’s Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) for March 2025: 67.0, up 24.3% since 2021.

Recognised as a key enabler for 7 out of 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Global Findex 2025 (World Bank): Account ownership in India at 89% since 2011, with rising active usage.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):

Beneficiaries: 56.04 crore (as on 14.08.2025)    

Balance: Rs. 2.64 lakh crore

Women: ~55% of account holders

Food Security and Farmer Welfare

Foodgrain production: 246.42 MT (2013–14) → 353.96 MT (2024–25, 3rd AE).

PM-KISAN (launched 2019): Rs. 6,000/year to farmers in 3 instalments.

Total disbursed till Aug 2025: Rs. 3.90 lakh crore across 20 instalments.

PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: 81 crore people receiving free food grains. 

Dairy Sector                                                                                

India ranks 1st in world in milk production, contributing 25% of global output.

Milk production: 146.30 MT (2014–15) → 239.30 MT (2023–24) → ↑63.57%.

Average annual growth: 5.7% (vs global average of 2%).

Technology & Innovation

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): launched 2021 with Rs. 76,000 crore outlay.

2023–25: 10 projects approved across 6 states with Rs. 1.60 lakh crore investment.

2025: India inaugurated first 3-nanometer chip design centres in Noida & Bengaluru. At the Global Investors Summit 2025, it was announced that India’s first indigenous semiconductor chip would be ready for production this year.

Blue Revolution (Fisheries)

Fish production: 96 lakh tonnes (2013–14) → 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25) → 104% growth.

Inland fisheries: 61 lakh tonnes → 147.37 lakh tonnes (↑142%).

Union Budget 2025–26: Rs. 2,703.67 crore allocation to fisheries, highest-ever, up 3.3% from 2024–25.

Conclusion

India’s defence and internal security posture under the Modi government reflects a decisive shift towards strength, clarity, and self-reliance. With record investments in defence, rapid growth in indigenous production, bold reforms, and the adoption of emerging technologies, India has transitioned from being a major importer to a rising global exporter of defence equipment. Firm responses to terrorism, the clear articulation of new normal with Pakistan, and futuristic initiatives like the Sudarshan Chakra Mission underscore a forward-looking security doctrine.

At the same time, progress in internal stability, food and energy security, financial inclusion, and technology innovation demonstrates that Atmanirbharta is not confined to defence alone but forms the foundation of a resilient and confident India prepared to meet both traditional and non-traditional challenges on its path to becoming a global leader.

This tectonic shift reflects the deep resolve of the government to see the country as Viksit Bharat in every sense in the years to come. It also reaffirms that this government does not merely believe in rhetoric but has actually done and is continuing to do what it takes to make India Viksit.