DRDO’s October newsletter contains an homage to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam:

Anil Kakodkar mentioned Kalam in this 2018 interview:

Nuclear weaponisation has a security connotation. The country becomes stronger, there is a deterrence, and one can stabilise the security situation. But it is also an expression of technological capability of the country. And that, I think, significantly changes the way country is perceived, even economically. (APJ Abdul) Kalam used to say strength brings in respect.