The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) Odisha Branch organised a seminar on ‘India’s Defence Preparedness’ here recently.
IIPA branch chairman and former DGP Bipin Bihari Mishra, who presided over the meeting, said the Defence preparedness of any country is in accordance with its historical experiences, neighbourly relations and foreign policy dynamics.
He expressed concern on the decline in budget allocation for Defence in the past eight years. He stressed on the domestic production of Defence materials to reduce dependency on import.
Mishra said India’s direct concern is the Pak-China axis in enhancing their Defence potential, which India has to match by maintaining cordial relations with friendly countries. lt Col KP Dhal Samanta, Member, Armed Forces Tribunal, Kolkata, said India’s military preparedness is not for aggression but for peace and defence, and the country is fully prepared for any eventuality.
“We are in possession of modern weapons and have modernised the infrastructure in all the three Defence forces. The morale and integrative character of our forces are always high, and no foreign power can threaten us.”
He stressed on the fact that Defence preparedness is not only to be by the military but also requires the support of Government and other stakeholders.
IIPA branch vice-chairman Syed Maqbool Ali welcomed the members and the chief guest while programme committee chairman Karunakar Patnaik gave an introduction of the guest speaker and treasurer Dr Pratip Kumar Mishra offered a formal vote of thanks. Members actively participated in the discussion.