Category: Defence

India plans to spend 130 billion dollars on military modernisation in the next 7-8 years to strengthen its security apparatus, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the ‘Aero India’ show here, the Minister said: “We have taken many steps to strengthen our security apparatus recently. Domestic manufacturing of bigger and complex defence platforms has now become the focus of our policy under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. We plan to spend 130 billion dollars on military modernisation.”

To achieve the twin goals of self-reliance and exports, he said, a target has been set to achieve a turnover of Rs 1,75,000 crore, including exports worth Rs 35,000 crore in aerospace and defence goods and services by 2024.

He pointed out that India holds the potential to become a reliable supplier of defence equipment to many friendly nations. “We have a strong and diversified Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises sector, having more than 5,000 active units,” the Minister said.

Talking about ‘Aero India’, he said that India today offers a unique opportunity in defence and aerospace manufacturing. “This opportunity comes as a ‘sangam’ or confluence of rising demand, greater innovation, conducive policies and maturing ecosystem in defence and aerospace manufacturing sector,” he said.

The Minister said that in aviation sector, the air show and aviation exhibition is one of the brightest galaxies which offers a wide variety of options, solutions, partnerships and, most importantly, opportunities.

Singh expressed gratitude to the Defence Ministers of Maldives, Ukraine, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Comoros and Madagascar, who were present on the occasion, and others who joined in virtually.

About 540 exhibitors, including 80 foreign companies, defence ministers and delegates, services chiefs and officials from more than 55 nations are participating in the event. “It reflects the growing optimism of the global community,” he said.

In order to maximise the reach and participation, the event was planned in a hybrid format with a concurrent virtual exhibition that will integrate seminars, B2B interactions and others.

He said that 2020 was a challenging year for the entire world and saw adverse impact on the lives and livelihood of the people as well as industrial growth and economy of many countries.

The Minister said that despite the constraints caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, large participation was witnessed in this year’s air show.

Singh also pointed that the existing supply chains, developed by aerospace and engineering firms, an investor-friendly government, with simplified procedures and fast-track business approvals through single-window mechanism combine to make Karnataka a very attractive destination for the industry.

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Lieutenant General Chandi Prasad Mohanty took charge of Vice Chief of Indian Army on Monday. He took over the appointment of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from Lt Gen S.K. Saini who superannuated on January 31, 2021 after completing four decades of illustrious career in the Army.

An alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun, National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Lt Gen Mohanty was commissioned into the Rajput Regiment on June 12, 1982.

In a career spanning four decades, he served across a wide spectrum of conflicts and terrain profiles and tenanted a host of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments.

He commanded a battalion on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and later in the North East.

He has the unique distinction of commanding two brigades: first on the Line of Actual Control and later on, the multinational UN Brigade in Democratic Republic of Congo.

He later commanded the Rangiya based Division in a counter insurgency environment and the Sikkim-based Trishakti Corps immediately after the Doklam incident.

The officer also has a unique distinction of commanding two Administrative formations as well: the Jodhpur Sub Area as a Major General and Uttar Bharat Area as a Lieutenant General.

An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College Wellington, Higher Defence Management Course Secunderabad and the National Defence College New Delhi, the officer’s staff and instructional assignments include an instructional tenure at NDA, Brigade Major of an Armoured Brigade, Military Advisor in Seychelles, Colonel Military Secretary (Selection) in the MS Branch, Brigadier General Staff (Operations) of a Corps in the Eastern Theatre and Director General, Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement.

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As India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovind unfurled the national flag and received the customary 21-gun salute at Rajpath.

The 21-gun salute was presented by the Ceremonial Battery of 223 Field Regiment that was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jitender Singh Mehta.

Kovind, escorted by 46 President’s Bodyguards raised in 1773 — on magnificent Bay and Dark Bay coloured mounts, was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wore a traditional ‘kurta-pajama’ and sported a special turban from Jamnagar in Gujarat.

Earlier, Modi paid solemn tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial at the India Gate.

After unfurling the national flag, the first formation comprising of four Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the 155 Helicopter Unit flew and showered flowers at the Rajpath and guests. The helicopters flew in a Wineglass formation.

Thereafter, India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress was on display at the majestic Rajpath.

President, Vice President, Prime Minister and other dignitaries attended the parade at Rajpath. The Republic Day parade showcases India’s defence capabilities, the different culture and traditions.

This year there was no Chief Guest due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was invited as the Chief Guest for Republic Day celebrations but due to pandemic he could not come.

In his video message, Johnson said that he will visit in the coming months and wished India on the occasion citing it as the biggest sovereign democracy in the world. “I was hugely looking forward to joining you for this important occasion at the kind invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi, alas our common struggle against Covid has kept me in London,” said Johnson.

India is celebrating its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday, honouring the historic date when the country completed its transition towards becoming an independent republic after its constitution came into effect.

PM greets India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended his greetings to the citizens of India as the country marked its 72nd Republic Day.

In a tweet both in English and Hindi, the Prime Minister said: “Wishing all the people of India a Happy Republic Day… Jai Hind.”

On this day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into force.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the National War Memorial near the India Gate later in the day, from where he will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the 90-minute-long Republic Day parade ceremony.

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Prime Minister Modi, President Kovind, CDS Bipin Rawat and Army chief General Narawane

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended greetings to the Indian army soldiers and their family members on the occasion of 73rd Army Day, saying that the courageous Army always held the head of nation high with pride.

“Congratulations to the mighty soldiers of the country who stand in defence of Mother Bharati and their family members on Army Day. Our army is strong, courageous and determined, and has always held the head of nation high with pride. I salute the Indian Army on behalf of all the countrymen,” he tweeted.

On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army.

We remember the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation.

India will remain forever grateful to courageous and committed soldiers, veterans and their families.

Jai Hind!🇮🇳

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 15, 2021

Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa’s taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.

President Ram Nath Kovind also took to twitter to mark the occasion. He tweeted that India will remain forever grateful to courageous and committed soldiers.

“On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army. We remember the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation. India will remain forever grateful to courageous and committed soldiers, veterans and their families. Jai Hind!” the president tweeted.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended greetings to the Indian Army saying that the “nation salutes the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, valour and sacrifices.”

“Greetings to Indian Army personnel and their families on the occasion of Army Day. The nation salutes the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, valour and sacrifices. India is proud of their selfless service to the nation,” Singh tweeted.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat also extended his wishes and said the soldiers’ valour and sacrifices are an inspiration to many. “On the historic Army Day, we pay homage and express our gratitude to those brave soldiers, whose valour and Supreme sacrifice in line of duty inspires us to rededicate ourselves with renewed vigour,” Rawat said in a message.

“Your dauntless courage, indomitable spirit and unparalleled devotion to duty in the true traditions and ethos of the Indian army will continue to inspire future generations. Jai Hind!” he added.

During the fifth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day on Thursday, the Defence Minister warned that India would give a befitting response if its pride is hurt by any super power.

“If any super power hurts our national pride, our soldiers are capable of giving a fitting response though we do not want a war,” Singh said at the fifth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day here, without naming any country amid the border standoff with China since June 2020.

Noting that India stood for peace and friendly relations with all the countries, especially in the region, Singh said the nation is against armed conflict and wants to maintain peace, which is its hoary culture.

“India is for protecting one’s security but not in favour of war though our troops are capable of defending the country’s borders,” reiterated Singh.

Lauding the soldiers for eliminating hundreds of terrorists intruding from across the western border, Singh said they have also displayed bravery in protecting the country in the northern border facing China.

Earlier, Singh and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat placed wreaths and paid homage at the War Memorial at the Indian Air Force (IAF) training command in the city. IAF and Indian Navy officers also laid wreaths as a mark of respect to the war heroes.

“Singh and Rawat interacted with the military veterans and martyrs’ kin and members of ex-servicemen organisations,” a defence official said in a statement.

Indian armed forces celebrate Veterans Day on January 14 every year in recognition of the services rendered by the country’s first Field Marshal, K.M. Cariappa, who retired on the same day in 1953.

Cariappa (1899-1993), who hailed from Karnataka’s Coorg (Kodagu), led the Indian forces on the western front during the first India-Pakistan war in 1947 as the army’s first Commander-in-Chief. He also fought in World War II.

The only other Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw (1914-2008), also retired on January 14, 1973.

Entry for the event was restricted due to Covid-induced curbs to contain the pandemic spread.

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