Modi addresses Combined Commanders’ meet in Guj
Urging the defence forces to keep pace with rapid advancements in war fighting capabilities all over world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked them to “rid themselves of legacy systems and practices that have outlived their utility and relevance.”
Making this observation while addressing the Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kevadia, Gujarat, Modi also conveyed his appreciation for the “resolute dedication” shown by the armed forces over the past year in the context of the corona pandemic and the challenging situation on the northern border with China.
He stressed the importance of enhancing indigenisation in the national security system, not just in sourcing equipment and weapons but also in the doctrines, procedures and customs practised in the armed forces, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
Modi was briefed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) about the discussions during this year’s conference, the statement said. He particularly appreciated the inclusion of Junior Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers this year.
Incidentally, this was the first time that personnel below officer rank were part of the high-level meeting held annually. The jawans shared their views on operational matters with the top military leadership besides the Prime Minister.
Emphasising the need for planning in both military and civilian parts of the National security architecture, Modi also called for a “holistic approach, focused on breaking down civil-military silos and on expediting the speed of decision making.”
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Adopt world-class systems, PM exhorts defence forces
Highlighting rapidly changing technological landscape, the Prime Minister underlined the need to develop the Indian military into a ‘future force’, the statement said.
Pointing out that the country would be celebrating 75 years of its independence next year, Modi called upon the armed forces to use the occasion to undertake activities and initiatives that would inspire the youth of the country, the statement added.
The top level meeting came days after the first phase of disengagement of troops of Indian and China from the flashpoint in the Pangong Tso (lake) in Eastern Ladakh.
The meeting took place as armies of India and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment, last week, for the 2003 ceasefire amid escalating firing across the Line of Control (LoC) and other areas.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of enhancing indigenisation in the national security system, not just in sourcing equipment and weapons but also in the doctrines, procedures and customs practiced in the armed forces.
The Combined Commanders’ conference this year was held near the statue of Sardar Vallabhai Patel in Kevadia and the entire brass stayed in tents for the three-day event.
Since 2014, the top-level conclave was held many times outside the national capital. While the last edition was held at Air Force Station, Jodhpur, two other such high profile events were held at aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.