‘Operation Sindoor’s success driven by technology, Make in India in defence’: PM Modi praises Karnataka youth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 10 credited the success of Operation Sindoor to India’s technological strength, power of Make in India in defence, and contribution of Bengaluru and Karnataka’s youth.

“After Operation Sindoor, this is my first visit to Bengaluru. Our armed forces destroyed terrorist hideouts deep inside enemy territory, several kilometres across the border, and brought Pakistan, which shielded terrorists, to its knees within hours. This was possible because of our technology, Make in India in defence",

He acknowledged the significant contribution of the youth of Bengaluru and Karnataka in this achievement, and extended his congratulations to all for their role in this success.

He was speaking after inaugurating Bengaluru Metro’s 19-km Yellow Line, laying the foundation stone for the Phase 3 project worth Rs 15,610 crore, and flagging off three Vande Bharat trains (Bengaluru to Belagavi, Amritsar to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Nagpur (Ajni) to Pune) from KSR Bengaluru City railway station.

Also, read: PM Modi inaugurates Yellow Line; Bengaluru Metro’s network expands to 96 km

Hailing the city’s role in India’s growth story, Modi said, “Bengaluru has become a symbol of the rise of new India - a city that has placed India’s flag on the global IT map. Behind this success is the talent and hard work of its people. In the 21st century, urban planning and infrastructure are essential. The Centre has invested thousands of crores in Bengaluru, and today this push is getting stronger.”

On the Yellow Line (RV Road-Bommasandra), he said, “This will connect key areas of the city and cut travel time between Basavanagudi and Electronics City, improving ease of living and working for millions.” He added that the upcoming Orange Line, combined with the Yellow Line, will enable daily Metro ridership of up to 25 lakh.

Also, read: From funding stations to painting pillars, here’s how corporates are boarding the Bengaluru Metro

Modi praised companies like Infosys, Biocon, and Delta Electronics for partially funding Metro stations through CSR. “Their model is inspirational, and I congratulate the corporate sector,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s economic rise: “In the last 11 years, our economy has moved from 10th to 4th place, and we are on track to be the 3rd largest. This is due to our spirit of reform, perform, and transform. In 2014, Metro rail operated in just five cities; now it spans 1,013 km across 24 cities - the world’s third-largest network. Rail electrification has crossed 40,000 km, and airports have more than doubled from 74 to over 160.”

He stressed the need for technological self-reliance: “Indian tech companies have created products for the world; now we must prioritise India’s needs. Bengaluru must strengthen its role in manufacturing. Earlier, we imported mobile phones - now we are among the top five exporters, with Bengaluru playing a major role. Before 2014, exports were around $6 billion; now they are nearly $38 billion. Automobile exports have more than doubled, making India the fourth-largest exporter.”

Modi also pointed to India’s digital leadership: “Over 50 percent of the world’s real-time transactions happen through UPI in India. Technology is bridging the gap between government and citizens. We are investing in AI-powered threat detection and ensuring the benefits of the digital revolution reach every citizen.”

Also, read: Infosys Foundation-funded metro station in Bengaluru's tech hub set to be a model facility