Indian Defence Capabilities Surge Decade

17 May 2024 CW Team

Over the past ten years, India has seen a remarkable transformation in its defence capabilities, largely attributed to the policies and initiatives under the Modi government. A significant highlight is the reduction in dependency on foreign arms imports, with 60% of the country's total arms and ammunition now being produced domestically.

According to NITI Aayog member VK Saraswat, India's defence ecosystem has become predominantly indigenous. This shift has been driven by the involvement of major Indian corporations such as the Adani Group, Tata Group, and Larsen & Toubro, which are now manufacturing advanced military equipment including radar systems and artillery.

Despite the increase in defence requirements, the proportion of imports has decreased, thanks to the focus on domestic production. This has been underscored by reports from the Swedish think tank SIPRI, which notes that while India remains the world's largest arms importer, the ratio of imports to total defence procurement is diminishing.

The Indian Army has made significant strides towards self-reliance, especially in ammunition production. The initiative aims to source almost all types of ammunition locally by 2025-26, a move that highlights the nation's commitment to indigenisation.

The Modi government?s defence policies have facilitated substantial investments in research and development, enhancing the country's strategic autonomy. These efforts are crucial for maintaining India's security and addressing the evolving global threat landscape.

This period of growth marks a pivotal shift for India, positioning it as a formidable force in global defence with a strong emphasis on self-reliance and indigenous innovation.

Infrastructure Transport

15 Oct 2025

BMC Gets CRZ Nod For Rs 40 Million Gorai Bridge Rebuild

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has secured Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the reconstruction of the Poisar River bridge in Gorai, located in Mumbai’s western suburbs. However, the proposed demolition of the existing 100-metre bridge has sparked opposition from local residents, who claim it serves as the only direct access route between the Lower and Upper Koliwada areas. The three-decade-old bridge, situated within the CRZ buffer zone, was recently declared structurally unsafe following a civic audit. The BMC has sanctioned its reconstruction at an estimated cost ..

NHAI Completes Rs 15.9 Billion Four-Lane Stretch On ECR

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the four-laning of the 38 km Puducherry–Poondiyankuppam stretch, ending near Cuddalore, in a development that will cut travel time by up to two hours, according to a report by The New Indian Express. The upgraded section, built at a cost of Rs 15.9 billion under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I, marks a major milestone in the ongoing East Coast Road (ECR) widening programme. The project promises a smoother, faster drive for motorists travelling towards Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, and Nagapattinam. With this completion, 22..

Encroachments Delay Rs 1 Billion Ghatkopar Bridge Project

The construction of a new cable-stayed rail overbridge at Ghatkopar and the widening of the Andheri–Ghatkopar Link Road (AGLR) have been delayed due to the presence of nearly 250 encroached structures on both sides of the road. In response, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has directed officials to carry out a structural audit of the existing bridge over the railway line and enforce temporary restrictions on heavy vehicles to ensure public safety. The bridge, which starts at the Golibar Road junction near LBS Marg and extends up to the Eastern Express Highway (EEH), serves as a critic..