New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a key meeting of the Union Council of Ministers, during which he underscored the evolving nature of modern warfare and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to indigenous defence capabilities. The meeting, the first since Operation Sindoor, lasted over three and a half hours and included presentations on national security, governance milestones, and long-term development goals.
Referring to the recent military engagement with Pakistan, PM Modi pointed to the extensive use of drones and high-tech platforms as examples of how warfare has changed, moving away from traditional battlefield engagements. He emphasized that India’s homegrown defence equipment had proven its strength during Operation Sindoor and reiterated that ‘Make in India’ weapons and systems will be a cornerstone of the country’s strategic planning going forward.
“Earlier wars were marked by tank battles in Punjab’s plains. But now, warfare has transformed drastically. Our focus must shift accordingly,” PM Modi is reported to have said, according to sources.
He called on his ministers to aim high and work at full throttle to meet the government’s ambitious targets. In the lead-up to the first anniversary of the Modi government’s third term on June 9, he urged ministers to effectively communicate the government’s achievements to the public.
The meeting also featured a detailed presentation showcasing India’s military preparedness and the success of Operation Sindoor. Sources said that even Pakistan acknowledged the extent of the damage inflicted during the operation—an indication of India’s growing strategic and tactical strength.
The Cabinet Secretary presented a summary of the Modi government’s achievements over the last 11 years, highlighting economic growth, infrastructure development, and governance reforms.
Additionally, ministries including Commerce & Industry, Jal Shakti, and Health made presentations aligned with Vision 2047, the government’s long-term roadmap to transform India into a developed nation by its 100th year of independence. The Health Ministry specifically addressed the growing problem of obesity and advocated for the promotion of a healthier lifestyle across demographics.
PM Modi also emphasized the need to improve the quality of services, scale up domestic manufacturing, and ensure that citizens are directly benefiting from government initiatives. He encouraged ministers to connect with the public more proactively to highlight the government’s work and vision.
The meeting also began with a moment of condolence for the victims of the recent Bengaluru stampede, which left at least 11 dead. Ministers expressed their sympathies and discussed the importance of crowd management and public safety at mass events.
Overall, the meeting was seen as a strategic briefing as well as a motivational push, with the Prime Minister urging his team to be mission-driven in the face of new challenges—be it in national defence, public health, or economic growth.