Modi Highlights Defence Growth and Commonwealth Games in Mann Ki Baat

During the 136th episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat on July 26, Narendra Modi commemorated Kargil Vijay Diwas by paying tribute to the soldiers of the 1999 Kargil War. He noted the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a commemorative motorcycle journey that departed from the National War Memorial in New Delhi on July 14 and is traveling to the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.

Modi stated that India is emerging as a trusted global defence partner, citing a recent agreement with Indonesia for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles. He highlighted several domestic achievements in July, including the commissioning of the INS Mahendragiri stealth frigate on July 11, the test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket on July 8, and the test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile on July 23. He also mentioned the July 19 launch of Vikram-1, the first privately developed rocket in India.

Turning to sports, Modi extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent of over 120 athletes competing in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He expressed hope that the athletes deliver outstanding performances and win hearts. Additionally, he praised the Aksharakanduka initiative in Ernakulam, Kerala, which promotes Sanskrit by linking the language to football terminology.