Defence Production and Export Achievements
India's annual defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore in Financial Year 2025-26, representing a threefold increase compared to FY 2014-15 figures. Defence exports achieved a record ₹38,000 crore, marking a dramatic 57-fold increase from the ₹686 crore recorded in FY 2013-14. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted these achievements as evidence of global confidence in Make-in-India platforms and the success of the Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative.
Broader Economic and Technological Transformation
The government reported significant progress across multiple sectors, including mobile manufacturing, automobile exports, and indigenous locomotive production. The digital infrastructure under Make-in-India saw 22.35 billion UPI transactions in April 2026 with a total value of ₹29 lakh crore, while the rapid nationwide rollout of indigenously developed 5G technology continues with efforts underway toward 6G development. The India Semiconductor Mission, launched in 2021, resulted in domestic semiconductor chip production last year through semiconductor parks based on the plug-and-play infrastructure model.
Governance and Economic Reforms
The Direct Benefit Transfer system under the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar & Mobile) enabled direct transfer of ₹51 lakh crore to beneficiaries' bank accounts while preventing leakages worth approximately ₹4.3 lakh crore. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has evolved into a model of cooperative federalism despite initial concerns. India's startup ecosystem expanded from 500 to over 2 lakh companies over 12 years, with unicorns increasing from 4 to 125, positioning the country as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem.
Additional Strategic Developments
The address highlighted the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir and sustained efforts to eliminate Naxalism as examples of resolving previously intractable issues. Cultural initiatives including the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor, Mahakal Lok, Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana, and the installation of the 'Sengol' in Parliament were mentioned as efforts to revive India's cultural identity and restore lost heritage.
Media Responsibility Emphasis
Raksha Mantri emphasized the critical role of media in maintaining accuracy, objectivity, and impartiality, particularly concerning defence forces, national security, and matters affecting national honor. He noted that while Artificial Intelligence will enhance journalism's speed and precision, human emotional intelligence remains essential for maintaining credibility and humane reporting.