Modi's main achievement in eight years is in the field of national security; a government which showed that India can fight both China and Pakistan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just completed eight years as Prime Minister. He came to power in 2014 and continued in power by winning re-election in 2019. As the country prepares for another election in two years, the BJP is expecting a hat-trick victory for Modi. There have been several reports from various media outlets describing the pros and cons of the Modi government. Much of this is about the country's economy and growth. But the biggest achievement of the Modi government is in the field of defense.

Pakistan and China - two enemies

India shares boundary with both Pakistan and China and they are considered as enemy countries. We were at war with these two countries. The closeness between these nations is a challenge to India. If a war occurs, we have to fight with both these countries at the same time and preparing the army for this was the biggest challenge for Modi government.

An apt reply to Pakistan

Pakistan always tried to disturb peace in India by using terrorists. But the Uri attack in 2016 by India was an apt reply to Pakistan and it was followed by Pulwama attack in 2019. Another achievement of Modi government is making Pakistan realise that India is an enemy which they can never face, which someway led to their success for the second time.

Attack against China

The same happened with China also. China was considered as a force which India could never resist, but we were able to do so in the Galwan valley clash in 2020. China also suffered heavy loss in the attack. India was able to use modern weapons against China and the country changed its regular approach to the neighbouring country.

Self- sufficiency in weapons manufacturing

India became self-sufficient in case of weapons. When the Modi government was sworn in, India was the second largest defense importer in the world. The lion's share of the country's defense budget was spent on arms imports. The Centre has decided to make defense construction more domestic. Private companies have been given permission for this. As part of Make in India and Athmanirbhar Bharat, India is making great strides in the production of domestic defense products.The government has decided to set up special defense corridors to promote the defense industry. The Government has formulated the 'Defense Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020' to promote self-sufficiency in defense production. The ministry has also raised the FDI limit in the sector. As a result, Indian arms exports have grown six-fold since 2014.

Military modernisation

The Modi government has reduced the corruption in defense deals by creating the post of Chief of Defense Staff to boost military participation. It was a blow to the bureaucracy. The late General Bipin Rawat became the first Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) of India. This was followed by the rapid modernization of the army.

When the Modi government came to power, there was a shortage in the Indian Army for even the basic items such as refurbished guns, efficient bullet proof jackets and quality shoes. But within a few years, the Ministry of Defense changed everything. The conditions were also improved in Navy and Air Force. A few days ago, the Indian Air Force became the third largest air force in the world, overtaking China.