Moving towards making India self-reliant in Defence: PM Narendra Modi in Lucknow

Lucknow: With India still importing 65 percent of its military requirements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday strongly favoured making the country self-reliant in the defence sector.

"We are moving forward with the dream of making India self-dependent in the field of defence and security," he said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating the APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) here.

We are marching ahead with this dream and for this we have made policy changes and allowed 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector, Modi said.

He lauded the successful launch of 104 satellites by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and said the world took notice when it was done.

We have such potential and have to take it forward, Modi said.

Upon his arrival, the PM was greeted by UP CM Yogi Adityanath and other senior ministers of his government at the Lucknow airport. 

PM Modi arrives in Lucknow to inaugurate building of APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University & to attend an event on #InternationalYogaDay tmrw pic.twitter.com/jzzHRK8RXN

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 20, 2017

Shortly after his arrival, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly developed campus of Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in the evening.

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the new campus of Central Drugs Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow. pic.twitter.com/uXo4P1YsFc

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 20, 2017

He then proceeded to unveil the new building of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University.

Lucknow: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the campus of Abdul Kalam Technical University in Lucknow: UP CM & Guv also present pic.twitter.com/bfasbllAxv

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 20, 2017

During the function, the Prime Minister will handover allotment letters of houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna to 20 beneficiaries.

He will also dedicate to the nation of 400 KV transmission line between Lucknow and Kanpur.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the International Yoga Day function at Ramabai Ambedkar Ground with over 60,000 participants.

The 80-minute yoga session is expected to begin around 6:30 in the morning. Several dignitaries, politicians and bureaucrats will participate in the event.

Massive security arrangements have been made for the Prime Minister's visit.

A large number of police personnel and 25 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed.

Over 400 CCTV cameras have been installed, with drone cameras also pressed into service at different venues.

The stage is all set as Prime Minister Modi, Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshaw Prasad Maurya will be performing Yoga along with above 60,000 participants including students of several schools, paramilitary personnel, government officials and volunteers.

Several dignitaries, politicians and bureaucrats will also gather at the Ground to participate into the function.

In an attempt to make the International Yoga Day programme a success, various organisations, NGOs and Yoga gurus have held camps and practice sessions.

Through LED TVs installed all across the ground, there will be a live telecast of the yoga session.

Those who will not be able to make it to the Ramabai Ambedkar ground will have an opportunity to perform yoga at any of the 11 parks across the city, selected for the event, where the event will be telecast live through LED TVs.