Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India has secured a place among the top 25 global arms exporters, marking a significant shift in its defence capabilities. Speaking at the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Monday, she highlighted this achievement as a testament to the country’s growing self-reliance in defence production.

“From being the second-largest arms importer in 2015 to 2019, India is now among the top 25 arms exporters with over 100 companies exporting products like BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rocket systems, and Dornier aircraft,” Sitharaman stated.

The minister outlined India’s remarkable progress in indigenous defence production, with the financial year 2023-24 achieving a record-high production value of Rs 1.27 lakh crore—a 2.7-fold increase compared to 2014-15. Defence exports also soared to an all-time high of Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24, a staggering 30-fold jump from  Rs 686 crore in 2013-14.

Sitharaman attributed this growth to a combination of robust policy measures and investments under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “In recent years, emphasis on defence production has made India a net exporter of defence components. Earlier, we were among the largest importers. Today, we are making a mark in global exports,” she noted.

The minister also underscored the strategic importance of coastal security and maritime trade to national security. Applauding the Rashtriya Raksha University for its role in training Indian coastal security forces, she pointed out that over 80% of global goods trade occurs via ships.

Additionally, she emphasized the government’s focus on port infrastructure development, revealing that India has doubled its port capacity in the last decade. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies ensure that our borders and coastal regions receive both financial and policy attention,” Sitharaman said.

India’s strides in the defence sector reflect its growing self-reliance and recognition as a significant player in the global arms trade, highlighting its transformation from an importer to an exporter in this strategic domain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to commission three frontline naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—during a ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Wednesday. The announcement, made by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Monday, highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its maritime security and defence manufacturing capabilities.

According to the PMO, the commissioning of these state-of-the-art vessels represents a significant step towards India’s vision of becoming a global leader in the defence sector.

Details of the naval combatants

INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, is one of the world’s largest and most advanced destroyers. With 75% indigenous content, it features cutting-edge weapon-sensor systems and network-centric capabilities.

INS Nilgiri, the first ship under the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. Incorporating advanced features for improved stealth, survivability, and seakeeping, this vessel represents the next generation of India’s indigenous frigates.

The third addition, INS Vaghsheer, is the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project. Built in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, it signifies India’s growing expertise in submarine construction and underwater warfare.

ISKCON temple inauguration

During his visit to Maharashtra, PM Modi will also inaugurate the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, an ISKCON initiative, in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Spanning nine acres, the project includes a temple, a Vedic education centre, proposed museums, an auditorium, and a healing centre.

The ISKCON temple is aimed at fostering universal brotherhood, peace, and harmony through Vedic teachings. It reflects PM Modi’s dedication to promoting India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the PMO noted.

A dual focus on defence and culture

The commissioning of the naval vessels alongside the inauguration of a significant cultural project underscores PM Modi’s emphasis on balancing India’s strategic ambitions with its cultural legacy. This visit to Maharashtra highlights India’s progress in defence innovation and the preservation of its rich traditions.

In a heated political exchange ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, BJP candidate Parvesh Verma launched a scathing attack on Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and current MLA from New Delhi constituency. Verma claimed that Kejriwal’s bail conditions, imposed by the Supreme Court, prevent him from fully functioning as Chief Minister of Delhi.

“No matter how much he tries, Arvind Kejriwal cannot become the CM of Delhi. He is still out on bail, and the case is ongoing. The Supreme Court has restricted him from entering the Secretariat, the CM office, or even signing official files,” Verma told ANI.

These allegations stem from Kejriwal’s bail in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in Delhi’s now-cancelled excise policy. The Supreme Court, while granting bail on September 13, imposed conditions, including a surety bond of ₹10 lakh and attendance on all trial dates unless specifically exempted.

BJP and AAP trade barbs over slum development

In his criticism, Verma also accused Kejriwal of failing to develop Delhi’s slums during his tenure. He alleged that black flags were being raised during Kejriwal’s visits to slum areas and credited the BJP-led central government for any housing development through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Urban).

“All slum dwellers know that nothing has changed in 10 years. If someone has received a house, it has been provided by Prime Minister Modi,” Verma claimed. He further cited examples of unfulfilled promises in Delhi government housing schemes, narrating the plight of residents in Bhartiya Nagar still living in huts despite depositing funds years ago.

AAP strikes back

Responding to the BJP’s criticism, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP is planning widespread demolition of slums in Delhi. He cited examples of his intervention against bulldozer actions in Shakur Basti and accused BJP leaders of misleading the public about housing policies.

“They (BJP) do not want to build houses. These people are lying. Within the next five years, slums will be demolished, and thousands will be rendered homeless,” Kejriwal alleged.

The AAP leader also accused Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor of altering land use rules to facilitate demolitions, a claim dismissed by the LG as baseless. “The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has not changed the Land Use of any colony nor issued demolition notices,” said the LG, terming Kejriwal’s accusations a “complete lie.”

Elections in focus

As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, with polling scheduled for February 5 and counting on February 8, the clash between BJP and AAP continues to escalate. Both parties are positioning themselves as champions of the urban poor, trading allegations over slum redevelopment, governance, and alleged corruption.