Marking the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on India’s scientific and engineering talent to take the lead in designing and building jet engines for the country’s own fighter aircraft, a move he said was vital for true defence self-reliance.Speaking from the Red Fort, PM Modi linked the appeal to his government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, which aims to make India less dependent on foreign suppliers across key sectors. “Today, I urge the young scientists, talented youth, engineers, professionals, and all departments of the Government that we should have our jet engines for our own Made in India fighter jets,” he said.The Prime Minister tied his remarks to Operation Sindoor, an operation he described as proof of India’s growing military strength. “Operation Sindoor showcased the marvel of India’s military prowess, leaving our enemies stunned and unable to comprehend the advanced arms and ammunition that neutralised them in mere seconds,” he said.Without the Atmanirbhar Bharat approach, he argued, such a large-scale and decisive mission would have been far harder to pull off.PM Modi’s push comes as India continues to expand its indigenous fighter programme. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently received its second US-made GE-404 engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A programme, with 12 more expected by the end of this financial year. While these engines are critical for current production, the government has long aimed to reduce such reliance by developing home-grown alternatives.Delays in US deliveries, caused by supply chain disruptions, have already prompted India to seek multiple foreign partners for co-development. Talks are underway with Rolls-Royce in the UK, Safran in France, and a Japanese defence manufacturer, with offers on the table for technology transfer and joint production. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will assess these proposals, according to a Bloomberg report.The need for speed is clear. India’s Air Chief Marshal A P Singh recently warned that delays in acquiring critical equipment “pose a serious challenge to national defence readiness,” stressing the air force needs to induct around 40 fighters a year to maintain combat strength. With just 30 active squadrons against an authorised 42.5, the gap is widening.PM Modi also encouraged citizens to support Atmanirbhar Bharat by buying locally made products, noting that such choices strengthen both the economy and national security. In a separate announcement, he revealed progress on India’s semiconductor mission, promising that “Made in India” chips would reach the market by year-end.