Desh ki duty: Modi calls for ‘civil defence’ network
On India's 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort, emphasizing the need for a robust civil defence network to tackle modern security challenges. The Civil Defence Rules, 1968, offer a framework for protecting civilians, property and infrastructure during hostile attacks and emergencies.
The framework empowers both central and state governments to take preventative, protective and control measures before, during and after an attack. Measures include safeguarding people and property, mitigating the impact of attacks and providing assistance in response and recovery efforts.
Modi announced the establishment of a civilian preparedness force to bolster the country's defenses, highlighting the importance of self-reliance in defence production. The Prime Minister stressed that India should no longer be a market for global defence companies, but rather a global supplier, and must take leadership in hypersonic defence technologies.
In the past year, military projects worth over ₹8.75 lakh crore were approved, and domestic defence production rose to ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY26, up from ₹46,000 crore in 2014. Defence exports also reached ₹38,424 crore in FY26.
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