The Indian Army plays a stellar role in guarding the borders and fighting terrorists, he said

Complementing the Indian Army’s response to cross border terrorism, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that the synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is getting the region to a stable and peaceful environment conducive for overall growth and development.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said this while addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference, being held in New Delhi from October 25-28. He reaffirmed the faith of the billion-plus citizens in the Indian Army as one of the most trusted and inspiring organisations in the country.

Referring to the situation along the Western borders, the Defence Minister said, “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CRPF, 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 getting the region to a stable and peaceful environment conducive for overall growth and development”.

Stressing upon the technological advancement taking place in every sphere of life and applauded the Armed Forces for aptly incorporating them, he appreciated theIndian Army’s efforts to develop niche technologies in collaboration with civil industries including premier educational institutions.

Commenting on the current situation along the Northern borders, the Minister expressed full confidence that while troops are standing firm, the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution of the crisis will continue.

“It is our national responsibility to ensure availability of the best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity,” he remarked.

The Defence Minister also complimented the efforts of BRO working under difficult conditions to connect far flung areas so that our citizens living in those locations are connected and facilitate faster development.

“The Government is focused on enhancing combat capability and ensuring the welfare of soldiers,” he said.

The Minister stated, “The Policy of Atmanirbhar Bharat is a big step towards self-reliance in defence which offers a great opportunity to the Indian defence industry to meet the future requirements of the Armed Forces.”

Applauding the Indian Army for working towards the goal of Atmanirbharta he informed that in 2020-2021 in keeping with the Atamnirbhar Bharat 74% of contracts by Army were awarded to Indian Vendors which is praise worthy.

Singh reiterated that “There are no budgetary constraints for capability development and meeting other requirements of the Army”.

He said that the decision to grant permanent commission to women officers in the Army is another significant decision that will ensure equal opportunities for professional growth to all officers irrespective of their gender.

The Defence Minister held that the recent corporation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is a historic step and has been accepted by all stakeholders which will enhance their efficiency and accountability.

He remarked that the government is committed in every manner towards the veterans and the next of Kin of all categories of battle casualties.

The four-day Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, is aimed at 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 is also focusing on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration and human resource management.