Cyber security became matter of national security: Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that cyber security has become more a national security matter than it was hitherto, limited just to the digital world, PTI reported.

Modi said that the importing of defence items into India is a lengthy process. When they reach the country, most of them end up outdated and therefore, the solution to this is indigenous manufacturing of the same.

Addressing the Union Defence Ministry's post-budget webinar, Modi said that during the 'period of slavery' and in the immediate years post Independence, India's indigenous manufacturing of defence items were strong. Indian made weapons played a pivotal role in World War II. But the strength faltered in the later years. However, India has no shortage in capacity now, just as same as then, Modi said.

Modi said that nearly 70 per cent of the current year's defence budget had been only allocated to the domestic industry. India's strength in IT is excellent, and the more it uses the IT power, the more confident the country will be on its security, he said.

It is a source of happiness that in the last five-six years, India has increased defence exports by six times, he said.

Modi further said that it is a source of that happiness that India has increased defence exports by three times in the last six years, and now the country is making 'Made in India' defence equipment as well as providing services to more than 75 countries.