പ്രതിരോധ ഉല്‍പ്പാദനത്തില്‍ 2023-24ല്‍ എക്കാലത്തെയും ഉയര്‍ന്ന വളര്‍ച്ചയായ 1,26,887 കോടി രൂപ കൈവരിച്ചതിൽ രാജ്യത്തെ പ്രശംസിച്ച് പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി ശ്രീ നരേന്ദ്ര മോദി, മുന്‍ സാമ്പത്തിക വര്‍ഷത്തെ ഉല്‍പ്പാദന മൂല്യവുമായി താരതമ്യം ചെയ്യുമ്പോള്‍ 16.8% വര്‍ധനവാണിത്.
കേന്ദ്ര പ്രതിരോധ മന്ത്രി ശ്രീ രാജ്നാഥ് സിംഗിന്റെ ഒരു പോസ്റ്റ് പങ്കിട്ടുകൊണ്ട് എക്സിൽ പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി എഴുതി:
''വളരെ പ്രോത്സാഹജനകമായ വികസനം. ഈ നേട്ടം കൈവരിക്കാൻ പങ്കുവഹിച്ച എല്ലാവര്‍ക്കും അഭിനന്ദനങ്ങള്‍. നമ്മളുടെ കഴിവുകള്‍ കൂടുതല്‍ വര്‍ധിപ്പിക്കുന്നതിനും ഇന്ത്യയെ ഒരു മുന്‍നിര പ്രതിരോധ ഉല്‍പ്പാദന കേന്ദ്രമായി സ്ഥാപിക്കുന്നതിനും സഹായകമായ അന്തരീക്ഷം പരിപോഷിപ്പിക്കുന്നതിന് ഞങ്ങള്‍ പൂര്‍ണ്ണമായും പ്രതിജ്ഞാബദ്ധരാണ്. ഇത് നമ്മളുടെ സുരക്ഷാ സംവിധാനത്തെ വര്‍ദ്ധിപ്പിക്കുകയും നമ്മെ ആത്മനിര്‍ഭര്‍ ആക്കുകയും ചെയ്യും!
Very encouraging development. Compliments to all those who have contributed to this feat. We are fully committed to nurturing a supportive environment to further enhance our capabilities and establish India as a leading global defence manufacturing hub. This will enhance our… https://t.co/ddNvNzPFKD
India has been under the international spotlight this week, with significant developments in diplomacy, economic growth, technological advancement, and cultural recognition. From pivotal diplomatic visits to groundbreaking achievements in defense and technology, India’s story has been one of progress and influence on the world stage.
Diplomatic Triumphs
One of the focal points of this week was the achievements of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait on Dec 21-22, the first bilateral prime ministerial visit to the Gulf nation in 43 years. The world sees the visit PM Narendra Modi’s strategic move to strengthen ties in a region undergoing significant transitions. It not only closes a crucial gap in India’s diplomacy with the Gulf but also signals the nation’s proactive stance in navigating the complex geopolitics of West Asia.
Economic and Technological Advances
In the realm of finance and technology, India has made headlines by surpassing China to top the Asian IPO rankings. According to data from Dealogic for 2024, India is poised to become the world’s second-largest equity fundraising market, a testament to the robust investor confidence in the Indian market. This achievement reflects India’s economic resilience and growth potential.
India has also taken significant steps towards semiconductor self-reliance. The initiation of construction for semiconductor fabrication and packaging units marks a promising start in the nation’s quest to carve a niche in the global semiconductor industry. Read more about this here.
Additionally, India’s maritime sector is set for a transformation, with an investment of $10 billion over the next 25 years to make India one of the world’s top shipbuilding nations. This development not only aims at bolstering India’s maritime capabilities but also positions it as a key player in the global maritime industry.
Defense and Strategic Developments
India’s strides in defense technology have also been a topic of global conversation. The successful test of a hypersonic missile places India among an elite group of nations with such capabilities, enhancing its strategic posture in regional geopolitics. This advancement underlines India’s growing military prowess.
Adding to the narrative of self-reliance, Prime Minister Modi’s push for domestic production of defense equipment, including the K9 Vajra-T artillery platforms, has been highlighted. This initiative not only boosts the ‘Make in India’ campaign but also fortifies national security through indigenous innovation.
Cultural and Leadership Recognition
In the cultural sphere, the influence of Indian cinema was acknowledged with tributes to Shyam Benegal, an influential director known for his contributions to India’s ‘parallel cinema.’ Benegal’s work from the 1970s, which challenged mainstream Bollywood by focussing on social issues, has been celebrated, reflecting India’s rich cultural fabric on the international stage.
Moreover, the week saw accolades for Indian-origin individuals in leadership roles abroad. Nirav Patel’s appointment as CEO of Mastech Digital in the US stands out, highlighting the global recognition of Indian talent in tech and business leadership.
Religious Freedom and Vision for the Future
The discourse on India’s democratic ethos was enriched by statements from figures like Mary Millben, who praised India’s commitment to religious freedom as a hallmark of its democracy. Such endorsements bolster India’s image as a pluralistic society.
India’s goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 as envisioned by PM Modi has received endorsement from Indermit Gill, chief economist at World Bank. Complementing PM Modi on his vision, Gill believes that India will see its prime potential over the next two decades. Read more about India’s future prospects here.
The week has painted a picture of India as a nation on the move, not just in terms of economic metrics but also in cultural, technological, and diplomatic arenas. The global coverage reflects a growing recognition of India’s multifaceted development and its increasing influence on the world stage.
From the Gulf’s diplomatic corridors to the cutting-edge labs of defense technology, from the boardrooms of American companies to the cultural dialogues of cinema, India’s story this week has been one of global engagement, innovation, and leadership.
