Narendra Modi reveals secrets of Pokhran tests on 15th anniv

Ahmedabad, May 11: 15 years after the Pokhran tests,

Chief Minister

revealed the secrets of 1998 historical tests. Lauding former Prime Minister and veteran BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi remembered the day while writing

on Saturday, May 11.

Counting reasons behind success of Pokhran test, Modi said Pokhran tests were possible because of "stellar work of our scientists and the strong leadership India was blessed with at that point of time".

Encouraging youth of the country, the Gujarat CM wrote, "This is a challenge for our youth, talent pool, scientists -- how we can combine our strengths and make India sufficient in defence-related manufacturing!"

On the eve of 15th anniversary of 1998 Pokhran tests, Modi also questioned, "Today, on the 15th anniversary of the Pokhran tests, there is a crucial question that we have to answer- how do we become self-sufficient in defence manufacturing?....This is not only about military power but also about being self- reliant for our own defence equipment."

"After around 65 years of Independence, why must we still spend thousands of crore of rupees to procure defence equipment from overseas?" added Modi while raising questions towards Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.

Speaking about defence manufacturing, Modi asserted, "We should think of a larger debate, encourage free flowing of ideas to think of how India can develop human resources in defence manufacturing."

"Can we create an ecosystem to strengthen our manufacturing? Going a step ahead, we should even think of how we can export defence equipment," Modi wrote.

Speaking about his move in spreading knowledge of defence manufacturing among students in Gujarat, Modi informed, "In Gujarat we have made a small effort in this regard. In our engineering colleges we are working towards starting a subject related to defence manufacturing."

OneIndia News