NEW DELHI: The Indian armed forces They are operating in a very complex and uncertain environment and must continue to improve capacities for peace in the region, as India’s adversaries can take advantage if their military power is not strong, Chief of General Defense Staff Gen Bipin Rawat he said Tuesday.
He also said that India wants to share its military capabilities with friendly countries in the neighborhood and the extended neighborhood, as well as with those who need its support.
The Chief of Defense Staff spoke at the opening session of the fifth annual conclave of Bharatshakti.in, a portal on military and defense issues.
“Today we are operating in a very complex, uncertain and very volatile environment. There are small and large battles in almost every region of the world. Therefore, we all need strong armed forces if we are to defend ourselves, defend our nation, defend the integrity of our nation and the safety and security of our people “, Gen Rawat said.
“But then we are saying that the armed forces must prepare for war? No. The armed forces must develop capabilities to achieve peace in the region. If we do not have strong armed forces, the adversary will take advantage of us,” he said. said.
Gen Rawat’s comments came amid a more than six-month-long border clash between India and China in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties. The two sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the dispute. However, no concrete progress has been made to end the confrontation.
In a message read at the conclave, the Prime Minister Narendra modi He cited various reform initiatives implemented by the government in the defense sector to produce modern equipment and take advantage of new technology, as well as to instill better synergy among the armed forces.
“We are moving forward with the collective determination of the nation to build a modern and self-sufficient India. Our determination is reflected in a spirit of self-confidence unprecedented in today’s defense sector,” Modi said.
The prime minister said that a self-sufficient India is a “win-win resolution” for all concerned, as this vision is for world peace and a resilient global economy.
“From the public and private sectors to foreign partners, all would draw strength from India’s vibrant strategic ecosystem,” he said.
In his speech, Gen Rawat also spoke about the challenges faced by armed forces operating in difficult environments, such as jungles, deserts, and terrain ranging from 6,000 to 6,500 meters in altitude.
“Our marina operates in Indo-Pacific, an area that is witness to the highest concentration of white shipments. They have to develop technologies not only to operate on the surface but also below the surface of the ocean in an environment that is becoming increasingly complex, “said the Chief of Defense Staff.
He said that the Indian armed forces need capabilities that perhaps no other armed force in the world will need due to the varied challenges and environment. Therefore, Gen Rawat said that the type of technology that India is developing and the weapons systems that can find their way into the Indian inventory will be second to none.
“We do not hesitate to invite foreign collaborators who can support our industry, take them by the hand and move forward … We also want to share the capabilities with the other armed forces around the world, particularly in the neighborhood and the extended neighborhood.” Gen Rawat said.
“We are ready to support those who need our support, especially those nations that are also going through difficult times and looking for good weapons systems,” he said in the presence of defense officials from several foreign countries.
Chief of Air Staff supreme commander of the air forces RKS Bhadauria said the threat from India’s adversaries is “deep and long-term.”
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