PM Modi witnessed the Tri-Service exercise - Bharat Shakti at Pokhran

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the foreign delegates from more than  30 countries, witnessed the tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti in Pokhran, Rajasthan, on 12 March 2024. It was the biggest military exercise ever conducted in the country. The tri-service exercise involved the participation of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force. The Indian Army hosted the tri-service exercise. The top commanders of the three armed forces were present on the occasion. 

Pokhran a trinity of India’s 'aatmanirbharta'

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that Pokhran has become a witness to the trinity(self-reliance, self-confidence, and self-pride) of India's 'aatmanirbharta'. PM Modi said, “ Pokhran has been the witness of India's nuclear power, and today, we also see its strength through indigenisation and empowerment.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the fact that in the last 10 years, the country's defence production has more than doubled to more than Rs 1 lakh crore. According to PM Modi, over 150 defence startups have been started in the country, and they have received orders worth Rs 1,800 crore from the defence forces.

Aim of the Bharat Shakti exercise 

The main aim of the Bharat Shakti exercise was to demonstrate the firepower of the indigenously developed military hardware of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The Bharat Shakti exercise aims to simulate a war-like condition which tests the operational capabilities of the three armed forces to jointly counter threats emanating across land, air, sea, cyber, and space.

The exercise highlights India’s quest for self-reliance in defence and the country’s Armed Force's might, operational prowess, ingenuity and commitment to indigenous defence.

Weapons showcased at the Exercise 

The Bharat Shakti exercise commenced with the Special Forces of the Indian Army, MARCOS of the Indian Navy, and GARUDS of the Indian Air Force infiltrating by all-terrain vehicles and slithering operations. 

The Indian Army displayed indigenously developed T—90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons Systems, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules, an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and an array of unmanned aerial vehicles, among other things.

The Indian Navy displayed indigenously developed  Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Aerial Targets.

Indian Air Force deployed its indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters.

Current Defence Chief 

Chief of Defence Staff - General Anil Chauhan 

Chief of Army Staff - General Manoj Pande

Chief of Naval Staff - Admiral R.Hari Kumar

Chief of the Air Staff - Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram