297
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said, the government is leaving no stone unturned to strengthen the Armed Forces. He said, the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff and Department of Military Affairs are some of the reforms that will cater to the future needs of the Armed Forces. Mr Singh was speaking after inaugurating the Swarnim Vijay Parv at India Gate in Delhi. The Defence Minister said, from procurement to production, all efforts are being made to make the forces more capable, efficient and self-reliant.
The two-day Parv has been organised to commemorate 50 years of India’s historic victory in the 1971 War and the Indo-Bangladesh friendship. Mr Singh said, private sector’s participation is being promoted in defence research, development and manufacturing. Through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, efforts are being made to promote self-reliance in the defence sector. He said, the government’s aim is to keep the Armed Forces ready for any eventuality.
The Minister termed the 1971 war as among the most decisive wars of the 20th century after the two World Wars. He said, this war tells us that the partition of India on the basis of religion was a historic mistake. Pakistan wants to disrupt peace in India by promoting terrorism and other anti-India activities. Mr Singh said, the Indian forces had foiled their plans in 1971 and the work to eliminate terrorism from its root is underway.
He described the 1971 war victory as an epitome of the spirit of humanity and universal brotherhood of Indians who live in a country, which considers the whole earth as its family. He stated that the victory in the 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity, virtue over misconduct and justice over injustice. The Minister said, India has contributed to the establishment of democracy in Bangladesh and today we are very happy that in the last 50 years Bangladesh has progressed on the path of development.