An India-made gun was used for the first time in 75 years for the ceremonial 21-shot salute to the tricolor at the historic Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day. Until now, British guns have been used for the ceremonial salute.
“The voice we always wanted to hear, we are hearing it after 75 years. It is after 75 years that the tricolor has received its first ceremonial salute from an Indian made gun at the Red Fort.” Minister Narendra Modi said.
He said that listening to this roar of guns made in India, all Indians will be inspired and feel empowered.
The indigenous cannon used for the ceremonial salute on Monday has been designed by the Centre-run Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
Apart from this, for the first time during the Independence Day celebrations, Mi-17 helicopters showered flowers on the Red Fort.
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi also lauded the Armed Forces personnel for adopting his vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) and taking steps towards realizing it.
“I want to salute the soldiers of this country wholeheartedly. The way my vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat has been collectively adopted by the soldiers and officers of the armed forces, I cannot salute them enough.”
Modi said it was no small proposition when a soldier decided to list 300 items that he would not import from other countries.
He was referring to the Defense Ministry’s decision to issue multiple “positive indigenization lists”, listing over 300 items that will not be imported after a certain period.
“I can see the seeds of Atmanirbhar Bharat in that resolve, from which a big tree will be born,” Modi said.
(with inputs from PTI)
catch all business News, market news, today’s fresh news events and breaking news Updates on Live Mint. download mint news app To get daily market updates.