Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday announced India is moving in the fast lane to set up joint theatre commands in order to meet future challenges and bring synergy among the armed forces.
Singh also announced that we have set a target to achieve Rs 35,000 crore worth of exports by 2025 and become a top exporter in the times to come.
Paying glowing tributes to the freedom fighters & the Armed Forces personnel who have laid down their lives since Independence in the service of the Nation, Rajnath Singh in Jammu said, “the Kargil war underlined the dire need to achieve jointness and self-reliance in the defence sector. It has been our endeavour to achieve these qualities to remain prepared for future challenges. Setting up of Joint Theatre Commands and reforms to achieve self-reliance in defence are the steps taken in that direction". "We are moving ahead very fast in the same direction", he added.
At least four new integrated theatre commands are proposed to be set up to utilise the military’s resources for future wars and operations. The three services chiefs were also directed to study the different models and submit their reports.
Dattatreya Hosabale, General secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) also attended the programme organised by the Jammu Kashmir People’s Forum to honor the families of martyrs here at Gulshan ground, Jammu. Speaking on the occasion Rajnath Singh said, Singh said India has become a strong & confident nation which is well-equipped to protect its people from anyone who tries to cast an evil eye. He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India is moving quickly from being the world’s largest importer of defence equipment to an exporter.
“Our priority is to achieve 'Aatmanirbharta' in Defence as it is central to developing a robust security apparatus for the safety and security of the nation. He asserted that the sole aim of the government is to safeguard the interests of the Nation and it has taken a series of steps to develop a self-reliant defence ecosystem that provides indigenous state-of-the-art weapons/equipment to the Armed Forces to fight all kinds of future wars.
To realise this vision, 68% of the defence budget has been earmarked for procurement of defence equipment from domestic sources. From a net importer, we have now become a net exporter which is not only catering to our own needs, but is also fulfilling the requirements of our friendly countries, in line with the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision. Due to the recent measures taken by the Government, India today finds itself among the top 25 exporters of the world in defence items. We have set a target to achieve Rs 35,000 crore worth of exports by 2025 and become a top exporter in the times to come. Our aim is to make India a global superpower. This will be a fitting tribute to our fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice while dreaming of an India which is strong, prosperous, self-reliant and victorious,” said the Defence Minister.
Sharing his views on the numerous challenges faced by India post-independence, Singh said, the entire area of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh became the ‘Main War Theatre’ during 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 wars, when enemies tried to cast an evil eye, but whose plans were thwarted by the gallant Indian soldiers. He spoke about the brave deeds of Brigadier Usman & Major Somnath Sharma in 1948; Major Shaitan Singh’s valour in 1962; India’s historic victory in 1971 war and the contribution of Kargil bravehearts Captain Vikram Batra & Captain Manoj Pandey who laid down their lives to protect the unity & integrity of India and continue to be an inspiration to the people, especially the youth. He also paid respects to the Indian soldiers who displayed unmatched bravery during the Galwan valley incident and ensured that the Indian tricolour continues to fly high.
“After tasting defeats in direct wars of 1965 and 1971, Pakistan adopted the path of Proxy War. For over two decades, it has tried to ‘Bleed India with Thousand Cuts’. But, time and again, our brave soldiers have shown that no one can disturb the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India,” the Raksha Mantri added, assuring the Nation that the Armed Forces are ready to face all future challenges.
Rajnath Singh remembered the then Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his leadership and words of encouragement to the Armed Forces personnel during the Kargil war despite numerous challenges and international pressure. He termed the victory as a prime example of jointness among the three Services and their coordination with the Government which safeguarded the sovereignty & integrity of the nation during testing times. He stated that J&K will always be an integral part of India and the Government is ensuring that the Union Territory, like the rest of the country, touches newer heights of progress. Terming Article 370 as an artificial legal barrier, he asserted that its abrogation brought a new dawn of hope to the dreams and aspirations of the people of J&K, especially the youth. The decision opened new avenues for the welfare of the people and the Union Territory is now progressing at a much faster rate, he said.
On PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan, the Raksha Mantri stated that these areas are illegally occupied by Pakistan and a resolution to free it has been unanimously passed in Parliament of India. Pak Occupied Jammu Kashmir was a part of India, is and will remain a part of India. A large number of families of martyred security personnel as well as veterans, including Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Bana Singh, were among those present on the occasion. Singh also chaired a meeting with BJP leaders at the party office in Trikuta Nagar where he reportedly took stock of the party’s preparations for the assembly elections.