136th Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi applauds Vikram-1 launch and India's global achievers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War, saying their courage and sacrifice continue to inspire the nation. He also highlighted India's growing defence capabilities, indigenous military achievements, advances in space technology and recent sporting successes during the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

Marking Kargil Vijay Diwas, Modi said the day fills every Indian with pride and serves as a reminder of the extraordinary bravery displayed by the armed forces in one of the country's toughest military conflicts.

"The towering peaks of Kargil, the harsh weather, the enemy's challenge—every circumstance stood before our soldiers, but their resolve was greater than every challenge. They dedicated everything they had to protect Mother India. Today, on 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', I pay my humble respects to all the brave martyrs and valiant soldiers," he said.

He also referred to the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a motorcycle rally that began at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on July 14 and will conclude at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.

"Its message is - 'One Ride, One Nation, One Salute.' This journey reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation can never be forgotten," the Prime Minister said.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to commemorate India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War and honour the soldiers who laid down their lives during Operation Vijay.

India strengthening defence capabilities

Modi said India is steadily expanding its defence strength and is gaining recognition as a trusted global defence partner.

"Today, be it defence production, defence exports, or political cooperation with friendly countries, India is consistently moving towards new heights," he said.

He said India continues to strengthen its defence capabilities while emerging as a reliable defence partner for countries around the world.

Referring to his visit to Indonesia earlier this month, Modi said a major agreement was reached for the BrahMos and Astra missile systems, reflecting growing international confidence in Indian defence technology.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 11.

Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the warship contains more than 75 per cent indigenous content. It is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and electronic warfare systems, and can undertake anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, maritime security, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Modi also pointed to recent Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achievements, including the successful tests of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile.

"Behind this success is the collective hard work of our scientists and engineers. Just two-three days ago, DRDO successfully tested the Kusha missile as well," he said.

Space achievements and sporting milestones

The Prime Minister also praised India's scientific progress, saying the successful launch of Vikram-1 marked a historic milestone for the country's space sector.

He described Vikram-1 as India's first privately developed rocket and credited young innovators for achieving what was once considered difficult to imagine.

"Our young innovators have achieved what was once hard even to imagine. They demonstrated incredible skill, passion, and patience," he said.

Modi added that India's strong performance in international science Olympiads reflected the country's growing capabilities in science and innovation.

Turning to sport, the Prime Minister congratulated shuttler PV Sindhu on becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open badminton title.

Sindhu claimed her maiden Japan Open crown and first Super 750 title by defeating Japan's world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women's singles final, ending a title drought of more than two years.

"Our youth have achieved many remarkable achievements in sports in recent times. PV Sindhu has become the first Indian to win the Japan Open title in badminton. The entire nation is proud of her achievement," Modi said.

He also praised the Indian women's cricket team for securing their first-ever Test victory at Lord's, calling it a historic achievement.

India defeated England by 270 runs in the one-off Women's Test earlier this month, marking the team's first Test win at the iconic London venue after it hosted its inaugural women's Test following a wait of 142 years.

Calls for water conservation

The Prime Minister said the Catch the Rain campaign was gaining momentum across the country, with people from villages to cities joining the initiative enthusiastically.

He urged citizens to continue conserving every drop of rainwater and ensure that water conservation remains a people's movement.