PM Modi Announces New Civil Defence Force, Pushes India as Defence Export Hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the creation of a large, modern Civil Defence volunteer force aimed at strengthening India’s preparedness to deal with emerging security threats and contemporary emergencies. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said the proposed network would be equipped with modern systems and volunteers would be trained to respond effectively to crises.

PM Modi said the government would establish a “massive, modern Civil Defence volunteer force” capable of addressing challenges beyond conventional emergencies. The initiative is intended to strengthen citizen protection and improve preparedness at the community level. Civil Defence measures generally include public warning systems, emergency communication, evacuation, shelter arrangements and coordinated response mechanisms during crises.

PM Modi said mock exercises and improved coordination would help authorities and citizens understand their respective roles during emergencies. Such preparedness can help reduce panic and ensure a more organised response when essential services are disrupted. The announcement comes amid increased attention to national security and the need to strengthen preparedness against both external and internal threats.

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PM Modi also highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous air defence capabilities and said work on the proposed Sudarshan Chakra system was progressing rapidly. The system, announced by the Prime Minister on August 15 last year, is intended to improve protection for critical military and civilian installations against aerial threats and enable a rapid response to hostile attacks.

Turning to defence manufacturing, PM Modi said India must move beyond self-reliance and establish itself as a major global supplier of military technology and equipment. He stressed the importance of developing domestic capabilities in drones, counter-drone systems and hypersonic technologies, which are increasingly significant in modern warfare. According to government figures, domestic defence production reached Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, compared with Rs 46,000 crore in 2014.

Defence exports also rose to Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, with Indian defence products being supplied to nearly 100 countries, PM Modi said. He also highlighted the growing contribution of women to national development and security, citing their participation in fighter aviation, civil aviation, sports, STEM education and the armed forces. The Civil Defence initiative, along with the push for indigenous defence technology and higher production, is expected to form part of the government’s wider effort to strengthen national security and civilian preparedness.

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