New Delhi, Apr 2: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said that the synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir were contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should continue.
Referring to the situation along the Western borders, he complimented the Indian army’s response to cross border terrorism. “However, the proxy war by the adversary continues,” he noted.
The Defence Minister was highlighting the complexities of the contemporary global landscape during his address at the Army Commanders’ Conference held in New Delhi.
The event, a biannual apex level gathering, commenced virtually on March 28 and transitioned to physical sessions on April 1 and 2, 2024.
With regard to the Western borders, the Defence Minister said, “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF, Police forces and the army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should continue.”
On the current situation along the Northern borders, he expressed full confidence that while troops were standing firm, the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution would continue. “Disengagement and de-escalation is the way forward,” he said.
He complimented the efforts of BRO, which, he said, led to the quantum improvement of road communication in the borders both Western and Northern, while working under difficult conditions.
Rajnath Singh underlined the evolving nature of warfare, emphasizing the integration of unconventional and asymmetric tactics, including hybrid warfare, into conventional conflicts.
He stressed the significance of factors such as cyber, information, communication, trade, and finance, which have become integral components of future conflicts, necessitating comprehensive strategic planning by the Armed Forces.
The conference saw extensive discussions on existing security scenarios, border situations, internal challenges, and the infusion of technological advancements into the Indian army.
Acknowledging the operational preparedness and sacrifices of personnel, Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. He applauded the army’s contributions to military diplomacy and emphasized organizational restructuring, logistics, human resource management, and modernization efforts during the conference.
The Defence Minister reiterated the nation’s trust in the Indian army and its pivotal role in national security and development. He highlighted the stellar role played by the army in guarding borders and fighting terrorism apart from providing assistance to the civil administration in every need of hour.
He lauded the army’s multifaceted contributions, from security operations to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. He complimented the army leadership for successfully taking ahead the ‘Defence and security’ vision of the nation to new heights. He also lauded the Indian army’s approach on the infusion and absorption of cutting edge technology.
Furthermore, Rajnath emphasized the importance of technological advancements and indigenization in modernizing the Armed Forces. He stressed the government’s commitment to the welfare of veterans and their families, acknowledging their sacrifices.
In conclusion, he called for continued deliberations on defence diplomacy, indigenization, information warfare, and force modernization. He emphasized the importance of doctrinal adaptations to ensure the Armed Forces remain prepared for future challenges.
He encouraged ongoing dialogue and midcourse reviews to implement recommendations effectively. “The nation is proud of its army and the government is committed to facilitate it (army) in their forward movement, on the road to reforms and capability modernisation,” he said.