Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday termed India a “not very lucky” nation on the security front and urged soldiers to keep a sharp eye on internal and external foes who he said are always active.

He was addressing Army personnel at the more-than-two-century-old Mhow cantonment in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh. “Taking the security scenario into account, Bharat is not a very lucky country because our northern border and western border continuously face challenges,” said Singh, who is on a two-day tour of the state.

Mhow cantonment, 25 km from Indore, is home to three premier training institutes - Army War College, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and Infantry School - other than the Infantry Museum and Army Marksmanship Unit.

 “We also face challenges on the internal front. In the backdrop of this, we can’t sit quiet, unconcerned. Our enemies, whether internal or external, remain active always. In these circumstances, we must keep a close eye on their activities and take appropriate and timely effective steps against them,” he told the Armymen.

To make Bharat a developed and self-reliant country by 2017, the role of the Army is very crucial, said the defence minister.   “.. As the country’s defence minister, I would like to tell you that we should be alert always. This patch of time, though often referred to as peacetime, struck me deeply when I arrived and witnessed the discipline and dedication with which you are undergoing training. Your regimen is no less than that of a war,” he told the gathering.

 “To maintain such a level of discipline, dedication and firm conviction are needed,” he added.

Singh also complimented army and said he was impressed by the cleanliness at the Army establishments and cantonments across the country.  “Your dedication to work inspires me. I can say that the most appealing thing is your devotion towards work and sense of responsibility. It is inspiring to all of us,” Singh said.

Earlier, Singh along with the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi paid floral tributes at the memorial of Dr B R Ambedkar at Mhow. The memorial of Ambedkar, the chief architect of India’s Constitution, has been built at his birthplace in the Kali Paltan area of Mhow cantonment.