New Delhi, Apr 19 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday expressed full confidence in the Army to face any contingency along the Line of Actual Control, despite talks continuing with China for peaceful resolution of the border dispute.
He stated this in his address at the Army Commanders’ Conference here, during which he held extensive deliberations on all aspects of the security scenario, the situation along the borders and the challenges before the security apparatus of the country.
In his address, commenting on the current situation along the Northern borders, the Raksha Mantri expressed full confidence in the Army to face any contingency, though the ongoing talks with China for peaceful resolution of the border issue will continue, and added that disengagement and de-escalation is the best way forward.
Expressing his gratitude, he remarked “It is our ‘Whole of Government’ approach to ensure availability of best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity”.
He complimented the efforts of Border Roads Organisation, which has led to the incomparable improvement of road communication in the borders both Western and Northern, while working under difficult conditions, an official statement said.
Referring to the situation along the Western borders with Pakistan, he complimented the Indian Army’s response to cross border terrorism, and added that however the proxy war by the adversary continues.
The Raksha Mantri said “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF/ Police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability and peace in the region and the same should continue, and for this I again compliment the Indian Army”.
He was addressing the first Army Commanders’ Conference of year 2023, which began in a hybrid format on April 17.
During the event, Indian Army’s apex leadership has been comprehensively deliberating upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders and in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus.
In addition, the conference has also been focussing on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration and human resource management. The main highlight of the third day of the conference was the address by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, to the senior
leadership of the Indian Army, which was preceded by a brief on “IA contribution to Nation Building”
The Raksha Mantri highlighted the stellar role played by the Army in guarding the borders and fighting terrorism apart from providing assistance to the civil administration whenever called for.
He stressed upon the present complex world situation which effects everyone globally. He stated that “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war will be part of the future conventional wars. Cyber, information, communication, trade and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts. This necessitates that Armed Forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies”.
The Defence Minister commended the Army for the high standard of operational preparednessand capabilities which he said he has always experienced first hand during his visits to forwardareas.
He also paid tributes to all the brave hearts for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the motherland. He complimented the significant contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further the national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies. He also applauded Indian Army for its effort in providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Mission post earthquake in Turkey during ‘Operation Dost’, the statement added.
He also stressed upon the technological advancement taking place in every sphere of life and applauded the Armed Forces for aptly incorporating them. He appreciated the Army’s efforts to develop niche technologies in collaboration with civil industries, including premier educational institutions and thereby progressing towards the aim of ‘Modernisation through Indigenisation ’or ‘Atam Nirbharta’. He also stressed that “as user we must impose our faith in own Industries and technologies which would in turn motivate the Industry to produce the best as also would boost ‘Atma Nirbharta’”.
“War preparedness should be a continuous phenomena and we should always be ready for unpredictables and uncertain events that may crop up any time. We should always be honing up our fighting skills and weapons technologies so as to act effectively whenever required for. The Nation is proud of its Army and the Government is committed to facilitate the Army in their forward movement, on the road to reforms and capability modernisation,” he said.
