Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the creation of a large, modern Civil Defence volunteer force to strengthen India’s preparedness for contemporary security and emergency challenges, while pitching for the country to emerge as a global hub for advanced defence manufacturing.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said the proposed Civil Defence network would be equipped with modern systems and trained to respond effectively to crises.
“I announce today from the Red Fort that we will establish a vibrant Civil Defence network in the coming days. We will familiarise them with modern systems”.
He said the government would focus on measures to protect citizens from emerging threats and build a broad-based volunteer force capable of dealing with situations beyond conventional emergencies.
“What measures can be put in place to protect citizens from modern-day crises? We are going to create a massive, modern Civil Defence volunteer force capable of overcoming contemporary challenges”.
Civil Defence preparedness typically involves coordinated measures such as public warning systems, emergency communication, evacuation, sheltering and other response mechanisms.
Mock exercises can help authorities and citizens understand their roles during crises, reduce panic and improve coordination when normal services are disrupted.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of heightened attention to national security and the need for greater preparedness for both external and internal threats.
PM Modi also highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen India’s indigenous air defence capabilities, saying work on the Sudarshan Chakra system was progressing rapidly.
The project, announced by the Prime Minister himself on August 15 last year, is intended to strengthen protection for critical military and civilian installations against aerial threats and enable a rapid response to hostile attacks.
INDIA’S DEFENCE MANUFACTURING
Turning to defence manufacturing, the prime minister said India must move beyond self-reliance and establish itself as a major supplier of military technology and equipment globally. “We have to become a global supplier by leveraging next-generation defence technology,” he said.
He particularly stressed the need to build domestic expertise in drones, counter-drone systems and hypersonic technologies, areas that are increasingly important in modern warfare.
The government has reported a sharp rise in domestic defence production, which 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 during the same financial year, with Indian defence products being supplied to nearly 100 countries.
The PM also underlined the growing role of women in national development and security, saying, “Today, the contribution of our sisters and daughters to nation-building serves as a great source of inspiration for us all.”
He cited their participation in fighter aviation, civil aviation, sports, STEM education and the armed forces.
The announcements are expected to feed into the government’s broader push to modernise national security structures, expand indigenous defence capabilities and improve civilian preparedness, alongside a continued focus on increasing defence production and exports.
– Ends
Published On:
Aug 15, 2026 10:20 IST
