NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 11(NVI): Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the nation’s trust in the Indian Army as a critical organization in safeguarding borders, combating terrorism, and assisting civil authorities in emergencies.
He also commended soldiers for their contributions and honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. He expressed appreciation for the Army’s leadership in advancing the country’s defense and security vision.
Addressing soldiers during the second Army Commanders’ Conference of 2024, the Defence Minister noted the complex global situation affecting national security and emphasized the need to adapt to unconventional and asymmetric warfare, which will likely characterize future conflicts. He urged the Armed Forces to consider these dynamics in their planning and strategy formulation, learning from both current and historical incidents to mitigate risks.
Regarding the situation along the Northern borders, the Defence Minister expressed confidence in the Army’s ability to manage contingencies while ongoing talks for peaceful resolution continue. He acknowledged the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for enhancing road communication in challenging conditions and emphasized the need for this improvement to persist.
On the Western borders, he commended the Indian Army’s response to cross-border terrorism, despite ongoing proxy threats. He praised the cooperation between Central Armed Police Forces, local police, and the Army in addressing terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, which has contributed to increased stability in the region.
The Defence Minister acknowledged the Army’s operational preparedness and capability, reflecting on his firsthand experiences during visits to forward areas. He paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation and recognized the Army’s role in military diplomacy to strengthen national security through partnerships with foreign armed forces. He also noted the Army’s performance at the recent 2024 Olympic Games and their contributions to the Swachta Abhiyaan initiative.
He highlighted the importance of technological advancement and praised the Armed Forces for integrating new technologies. The Army’s collaboration with civil industries and educational institutions aims to promote indigenization and self-reliance in defense production. The Defence Minister emphasized that modernizing weapons for soldiers is a government priority, with full support for the Armed Forces.
He also said that topics such as defense diplomacy, indigenization, information warfare, infrastructure, and force modernization should remain central in these discussions. “Continuous war preparedness is essential, and the Army must be ready for any uncertainties. The nation takes pride in its Army, and the government is committed to supporting reforms and capability modernization,” he added. (News Vibes of India)
