Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday urged the armed forces to develop joint capabilities and synergy to play a major role in the volatile region around the country. He also asked the armed forces to conduct more joint exercises with friendly foreign countries as part of country's 'Act East' policy.
Making these observations here while inaugurating the two-day Unified Commanders' conference of Tri-Services Commanders here, he said "by virtue of our dominant, geographical location, India is poised for a predominant role in the volatile region around us." Hence, there is a requirement to exploit this advantage by developing joint capabilities, the Minister said. He also asked the armed forces to conduct joint exercise involving more than one Service with friendly foreign countries in South East Asia as part of 'Act East' policy.
With rapidly changing warfare doctrines all over the world, Parrikar stressed the need for jointness of the three Services to optimise resources and enhance cost effectiveness, so that maximum funds can be made available for modernisation of the Armed Forces. Moreover, in order to achieve self-reliance, he emphasised on 'Make in India' initiative and indigenisation of defence production.
Earlier, opening remarks were given by Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee & Chief of Air Staff Arup Raha covering tri-Services issues. Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil lanba addressed the conclave highlighting the major issues pertaining to their respective Services. A report covering major achievements on key Tri-Services issue was presented by Officiating Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee Air Marshal AS Bhonsle.
Key security issues facing the nation and important strategic, operational, logistical, administrative aspects pertaining to Tri-Services were deliberated upon on the first day. The inaugural function was attended by Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, Deputy National Security Advisor Dr. Arvind Gupta, Secretaries of the Government of India and senior officials of Services and Ministry of Defence.