Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, announced the launch of the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, a decade-long initiative to expand, strengthen, and modernize India’s national security framework by 2035.
Drawing inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna’s legendary Sudarshan Chakra, PM Modi said the mission will focus on designing, researching, developing, and manufacturing the entire defence system within India, harnessing the nation’s youth talent. “This powerful system will not only counter terrorist attacks but also strike back at the terrorists,” he said.
The mission is envisioned as India’s answer to an Iron Dome-like defence system, capable of protecting critical infrastructure, including civilian areas, from aerial threats.
The announcement underscores India’s push for self-reliance in advanced defence technologies and its commitment to bolstering national security through indigenous innovation.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort to mark the nation’s 79th Independence Day. He was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Sanjay Seth, and the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, followed by a ceremonial guard of honour led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar.
In a first, Independence Day evening celebrations will feature over 140 band performances across the country by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF, and Assam Rifles to promote patriotic spirit and commemorate the victory of Operation Sindoor.