India, Aug. 15 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made a strong case for building jet engines in the country, putting the spotlight on a striking technology gap and stressing that self-reliance is the linchpin of India's efforts towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

"I urge India's young scientists, talented youth, engineers, professionals, and all government departments that we should have our jet engines for our Made-in-India fighter jets," Modi said in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort. Developing jet engines will ensure future defence technology is entirely home-grown, he said.

The light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) programme, crucial for the Indian Air Force to shore up its fleet, is running behind schedul...