PM flags Made-in-India C-295 flight, naval ships in Mann Ki Baat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat' on June 28, 2026, highlighted several milestones in India's journey towards self-reliance. He focused on achievements in the aviation and defence sectors, which he said instil pride in every citizen.
Modi referred to the maiden flight of the made-in-India C-295 military transport aircraft on June 10, calling it a major success for the aviation sector. 'As many as 40 such aircraft are being built right here in India, and this is giving new strength to MSMEs and the aerospace sector,' he said, adding that it would also boost employment opportunities.
The Indian Air Force is procuring 56 C-295 transport aircraft at a cost of approximately ₹21,935 crore. Forty of these aircraft will be assembled by Tata Advanced Systems Limited in cooperation with Airbus at a production facility in Vadodara.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the induction of three indigenous naval ships into the Indian Navy's fleet during a programme in Kolkata. INS Dunagiri, INS Shanshak, and INS Agraya were commissioned, with Modi noting that from design to manufacturing, everything was indigenous.
Turning to International Yoga Day celebrated on June 21, Modi said diverse yoga programmes were held at more than 2,500 locations worldwide, with crores of people participating. He highlighted the World Yoga Asana Championship in Ahmedabad, where India won a total of 114 medals, including 102 gold medals, topping the medal tally.
Modi also spoke about the revival of the ancient tradition of 'Shastrarth' by Nalanda University. He described 'Shastrarth' as a disciplined process of debate, dialogue, and deliberation, where presenting one's point with logic and facts is crucial. 'The practice of patiently listening to and understanding ideas of others also comes from this Shastrarth process,' he said, expressing happiness that Nalanda University has incorporated it into its convocation ceremony.
These announcements reflect the government's focus on indigenous manufacturing, defence modernisation, and cultural heritage.
