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Rajnath holds talks with Chinese Defence Minister

Defence Minister says development of relations between India and China is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday told his Chinese counterpart, General Li Shangfu that all issues at the LAC need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements, officials said.

In their meet, which came a day before the SCO Defence Ministers meet – which India, as the Chair of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023, is hosting, the two ministers had frank discussions about developments in the India-China border areas as well as bilateral relations.

During the meet, Rajnath Singh categorically conveyed that development of relations between India and China is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders.

According to the Defence Ministry, he added that all issues at the LAC need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments. He reiterated that violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border will logically be followed with de-escalation.

The repeated attempts by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to violate the Line of Actual Control (LAC), leading to tension in Ladakh, had spurred the institution of the Corps Commander-level meetings.

The 18th round of the Corps Commander-level talks was held on Sunday, but was inconclusive as there was no headway on the contentious issue of the Depsang Plains and de-escalation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

While the two sides agreed on mutual withdrawals from Pangong Tso, Gogra, and Hot Springs, the Depsang Plains and Demchok remain points of contention and tension.

Beside his Chinese counterpart, Rajnath Singh also met his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Mohammed Reza Gharaei Ashtiyani and the meeting took place in a cordial and warm atmosphere. Both the leaders emphasised on the age-old cultural, linguistic, and civilisational ties between the two countries, including people-to-people connect.

Both the Ministers reviewed the bilateral defence cooperation and exchanged views on regional security issues, including peace and stability in Afghanistan. Further, the two Ministers discussed the development of the International North South Transport corridor to ease logistic problems to Afghanistan and other countries in Central Asia.

The Iranian Defence Minister will also attend the SCO meeting on Friday as his country has observer status in the organisation.

Bilateral meetings with Kazakh, Tajikistan

Rajnath Singh on Thursday held bilateral meetings with his Kazakh, Tajikistani counterparts on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, according to an official statement.

Singh held separate bilateral meetings with Kazakhstan Defence Minister Colonel General Ruslan Zhaxylykov and the Minister of Defence of Tajikistan Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, the statement said. The entire spectrum of defence cooperation with the two countries was reviewed during the meetings, with focus on identifying avenues to expand mutually beneficial collaboration. Issues of mutual interest were also discussed, according to the official statement.

Rajnath Singh on Thursday also met State Councillor and Minister of National Defence of China General Li Shangfu in New Delhi.

The two Ministers had frank discussions about the developments in the India-China border areas as well as bilateral relations. Singh categorically conveyed that the development of relations between India and China is premised on the prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders.

He added that all issues at the LAC need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments. He reiterated that violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border will logically be followed with de-escalation.

The theme of India’s Chairmanship of SCO in 2023 is ‘Secure-SCO’. India attaches special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interactions in the region.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an intergovernmental organization established in 2001. The SCO members include Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan besides India. Apart from the member states, two observer countries Belarus and Iran will also be participating in the SCO Defence Ministers Meeting. 

Iranian Defence Minister Ashtiani arrives

Iranian Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani arrived in Delhi on Thursday to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting scheduled to be held on Friday.

The minister will hold a bilateral meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will likely meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

Earlier, Sergei Shoigu visited India in December 2021 for the first India-Russia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

The Defence Ministers will discuss matters concerning regional peace and security, counter-terrorism efforts within SCO and effective multilateralism, said the Ministry of Defence in an official statement.

The theme of India’s Chairmanship of SCO in 2023 is ‘Secure-SCO’. India attaches special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interactions in the region.

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Rajnath holds talks with defence heads of 7 nations

He voiced the government’s resolve of nurturing a vibrant and world-class defence manufacturing industry, terming it as the key driver of Indian economy…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a series of discussions with his counterparts, security advisors and top officials from the neighbouring and African countries on the sidelines of the Aero India show in Bengaluru on Monday.

Singh met with Nepal Defence Minister Hari Prasad Uprety, Sri Lanka’s Minister of State for Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Bangladesh Security Advisor Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Zimbabwean Defence Minister Oppah Charm Zvinpange Muchinguri, Tanzania’s Defence Minister Basungwa Innocent Lugha, Congo Defence Minister Charles Richard Mondjo and Armenia’s Deputy Defence Minister Karen Brutyan.

India has made it clear that it does not want to remain just an assembly workshop and is looking to engage with friendly countries in defence and security based on sharing expertise and capabilities under the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

While inaugurating the show on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spotlighted that India is all geared up to bring a revolution in every sector on the path of reforms.

“The country, which was the biggest defence importer for decades, is now exporting defence equipment to 75 countries of the world. The country’s defence exports have increased six times in the last five years. In 2021-22, we exported more than $1.5 billion worth defence equipment,” said Modi.

Later, Singh addressed over 70 CEOs of local and global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) during a Round Table and called upon Indian and global industry leaders to support the Modi government’s endeavour to design, develop and manufacture cutting-edge products, using critical technologies, within the country to attain complete ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, with the overall objective of achieving shared global peace and prosperity.

He voiced the government’s resolve of nurturing a vibrant and world-class defence manufacturing industry, terming it as the key driver of Indian economy.

The Defence Minister also enumerated a number of far-reaching reforms undertaken by Ministry of Defence to create a business-friendly climate in the country. These include setting up of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; simplification of industrial licensing processes; hike in cap on FDI in defence; opening of government trial and testing facilities for the private sector; increase in capital outlay for defence in Budget 2023-24 and launch of Technology Development Fund and Innovations for Defence Excellence.

The CEOs Round Table was organised on the theme ‘Sky is not the limit: opportunities beyond boundaries’. The participating companies included Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industries, General Atomics, Liebherr Group, Raytheon Technologies, Safran, General Authority of Military Industries, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, BEML Limited, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge, Dynamatic Technologies and BrahMos Aerospace.

ALSO READ-India to fully Indigenise Tejas aircraft soon, says Rajnath

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India to fully Indigenise Tejas aircraft soon, says Rajnath

Singh concluded his address by urging the media to provide extensive visibility to the event and present the rise of a ‘New India’ to the world…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that efforts are on to make Light Combat Aircraft Tejas 100 per cent indigenous and it will be done soon.

While addressing the curtain raiser of ‘Aero India’ 2023, which will begin from Monday, the Defence Minister said, “We are putting in all efforts to see that Tejas becomes 100 per cent indigenised. That is our ultimate aim.” Singh added that investments in Tejas will increase in the coming years.

“The government has positioned it at the centre of the Aero India show while also planning to promote its exports,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that defence exports from India have increased ever since the government adopted the ‘Atmanirbhar Scheme’, or self-reliance programme, for the defence sector.

“Ever since we have accepted the commitment of self-reliant India since then the export of defence items in India has increased. We want to make India self-reliant, this is our resolution and we want to increase India’s defence exports.”

Singh said that over 75 friendly countries and more than 700 exhibitors will be part of the biggest-ever Aero-India Show in the country.

The defence minister said that owing to India’s resolve to promote self-reliance, the export of defence items has increased.

“Karnataka has got the good fortune of organizing this. Karnataka is the foremost among the states contributing to the economic growth of our country. This state is known for its skilled human resource and robust defence manufacturing ecosystem,” he said.

India Pavilion with the theme of ‘Wings of the Future’ will be the centre of attraction for this event. This pavilion will introduce the potential, opportunities and possibilities of New India to the world.

CEOs Round Table is also an important event of Aero-India. This event will provide us with an opportunity to explore the strength and capabilities of our defence industry in association with the world’s top business leaders.

“Through this platform, our youth will be able to showcase their capabilities in Defence Sector in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, e-Management, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Autonomous Systems and other innovations for future forces, and empower the Defence Sector,” the Defence Minister said.

“Promotion of the opportunities available in Karnataka will be beneficial because most of the investments coming from outside will be likely to come to Karnataka. This will create new jobs in the state,” he added.

Singh said that it is a matter of pleasure for all of us that in the inauguration ceremony of this event, all of us will get the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.

“His presence will add more glory to this event,” he added.

He also highlighted the benefits of Aero India for the youth of Karnataka, saying that their pavilion will showcase the state’s opportunities and possibilities and likely investments will create new jobs. He reiterated that the Government’s focus is on the future of the youth.

Singh concluded his address by urging the media to provide extensive visibility to the event and present the rise of a ‘New India’ to the world.

He stated that media can play the role of a medium in connecting people with the phenomenal progress in the defence sector.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai,MoS defence Ajay Bhatt, Minister of Large and Medium Industries of Karnataka Murugesh Rudrappa Nirani, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka Vandita Sharma and other senior officials of the state government and Ministry of Defence were present on the occasion.

The ‘India Pavilion’, based on the ‘Fixed Wing Platform’ theme, will showcase India’s growth in the area, including the future prospects.

There will be a total of 115 companies, displaying 227 products. It will further showcase the growth of India in developing an ecosystem for the ‘Fixed Wing Platform’ which includes the demonstration of various structural modules, simulators, systems (LRUs) etc. of LCA-Tejas aircraft being produced by Private Partners.

There will also be a section for Defence space, New Technologies and a UAV section which will give an insight into the growth of India in each sector.

A number of seminars will be held during the five-day event. The themes include ‘Harnessing Potential of Ex-servicemen for Indian Defence Industry; India’s Defence Space Initiative: Opportunities for shaping Indian private space ecosystem; Indigenous development of futuristic aerospace technologies, including aero engines; Destination Karnataka: US-India defence cooperation innovation and Make in India; Advancement in maritime surveillance equipment and assets; sustenance in MRO and Obsolescence Mitigation and achieving excellence in defence grade drones and Aatmanirbharta in Aero Armament Sustenance. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Asia’s biggest aero show begins  

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‘India as superpower will work for global welfare’

Speaking on the recent India-China border clash, the Defence Minister said, “Whether it is Galwan or Tawang, our defence forces have proved their bravery and valour.” …reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India aspires to be superpower and work for the welfare of the entire world and emphasised that “we will never have the intention to capture even one inch of land of any other country”.

Addressing the FICCI Annual Convention and AGM in the national capital, the union minister said, “We want to be a superpower to work for the welfare of the world.” “Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) during his address from Red Fort talked about five pledges to the country, which are essential to make India super power and it shouldn’t be considered that we want to dominate any country or we have the intention to capture even one inch of land of any other country,” Singh said.

Speaking on the recent India-China border clash, the Defence Minister said, “Whether it is Galwan or Tawang, our defence forces have proved their bravery and valour.” “In 1949, China’s GDP was lower than that of India. Until 1980, India was not even in the list of top 10 economies… In 2014, India was on the 9th position in world economies. Today India is close to a $3.5 trillion economy and 5th largest in the world,” Rajnath Singh said as he spoke on ‘India@100: AmritKaal- Sustainable & Inclusive’. (ANI)

ALSO READ-India will reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir: Rajnath

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Rajnath calls for urgent global efforts to stem terrorism

Singh called upon all the member states to work together with a positive intent, towards a stable, safer and more secure world for our future generations…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for urgent and resolute global efforts to counter transnational and cross-border terrorism, describing it as the “gravest threat” to regional and global security.

Speaking at the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus in Siem Reap, Cambodia on Wednesday, Singh pointed out that the global security environment has transformed fundamentally over the last few decades.

According to Defence Minister Singh, terrorist groups were creating interlinkages across continents backed by new-age technologies to propagate ideologies, transfer money and recruit supporters.

He also exhorted the member nations for peaceful resolution of disputes while respecting the sovereignty & territorial integrity of all the nations.

“Attended the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting plus in Cambodia today. Exhorted the member nations for peaceful resolution of disputes while respecting the sovereignty & territorial integrity of all the nations,” Singh tweeted.

Singh reiterated India’s commitment to nurturing practical, forward-looking and result-oriented cooperation between India and ADMM Plus countries for enhancing the maritime security in the region and safety of the global commons.

He asserted that India advocates a “free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and calls for peaceful resolution of disputes while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations”.

He stated that the ongoing ASEAN-China negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea should be fully consistent with international law, in particular United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and should not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of nations that are not party to these discussions.

Singh called upon all the member states to work together with a positive intent, towards a stable, safer and more secure world for our future generations.

During his address, India’s Defence Minister also drew the attention of the forum to the other security concerns that have emerged in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic, including challenges of Energy and Food Security.

As a responsible member of the international community, India has worked with its partners, in extending humanitarian aid, medicines, vaccines and food grains on large scale, Singh stated.

The ADMM Plus is an annual meeting of Defence Ministers of 10 ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partner countries – India, USA, Russia, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. The year 2022 marks the 30th Anniversary of India-ASEAN relations. (India News Network)

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Rajnath, Cambodian counterpart discuss defence ties

During the meeting with his counterpart, Singh congratulated Cambodia on the successful chairmanship of ASEAN and ADMM Plus in 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Cambodia General TEA Banh discussed closer defence cooperation during a meeting on Monday.

“Reviewed the full range of India-Cambodia defence ties during the fruitful meeting with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister, General Samdech Pichey Sena TEA Banh in Siem Reap today. There is immense scope to boost defence cooperation between both the countries,” Singh tweeted.

The two ministers discussed mutually beneficial avenues for furthering the bilateral ties between both countries, India’s Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.

During their meeting, the two ministers also noted the shared rich cultural and historic linkages between India and Cambodia. They recognised Angkor Wat, an ancient temple complex in Cambodia, as “the symbol of the long-lasting ties between the two countries,” the ministry added.

Singh is in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to co-chair the maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and attend the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus). 2022 marks the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia.

During the meeting with his counterpart, Singh congratulated Cambodia on the successful chairmanship of ASEAN and ADMM Plus in 2022.

To commemorate 30 years of India-ASEAN relations, India and Cambodia will co-chair the maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting on Tuesday (November 22), presided over by Singh. Various initiatives to boost India-ASEAN partnership are planned to be announced during the meeting, the Ministry of Defence said.

On Wednesday, Cambodia, as the chair of ADMM Plus meeting, will host the 9th annual meeting and the Raksha Mantri will address the forum.

Defence Minister Singh will also call on the Prime Minister of Cambodia during the visit.

ALSO READ-Rajnath meets US Defense Secy

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Rajnath meets US Defense Secy

Singh was accompanied by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, it said…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in Cambodia as the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest while expressing their commitment to a strong India-US defence cooperation.

Singh and Austin are in Cambodia to attend the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus, the defence ministry here said in a statement.

It said Singh and Austin met each other at Siem Reap with “great warmth” and “expressed satisfaction at the growing bilateral defence engagements”.

Singh was accompanied by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, it said.

Defence Minister Singh shared pictures of his meetings with Austin on Twitter.

“Delighted to meet the US Secretary of Defence, Mr Lloyd J. Austin in Siem Reap. @SecDef,” he wrote on the microblogging site.

The two leaders discussed a “wide range of issues of mutual interest while expressing their commitment to a strong India-US defence cooperation”.

Singh emphasised the need for both countries to work together for capability building in critical domains such as military aviation, artificial intelligence and cyber technology.

The defence minister looked forward to building a roadmap towards greater defence industrial collaboration between India and the US, the statement said.

Singh highlighted India’s growing expertise in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and shipbuilding, repairs and refits and suggested specific areas where US defence companies can look for technology cooperation and manufacturing opportunities with Indian partners in India, the statement said.

Secretary Austin welcomed the suggestions and assured Singh of cooperation in this regard, it said.

“The two leaders expressed their commitment towards an inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific with freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded trade. They further discussed initiatives that can be taken to strengthen maritime cooperation between the two countries including in maritime domain awareness. Both leaders also shared their perspectives on the regional security situation,” the defence ministry said.

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Need to be prepared for any operational contingencies: Rajnath

The conference included a briefing on the Indian Army’s “Transformational Imperatives for a Future Ready Force” plans…reports Asian Lite News

Interacting with the top leadership of the force on Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh applauded the Indian Army for maintaining a high level of operational preparedness to uphold national security and sovereignty.

“I have full faith and confidence in the Indian Army and its leadership,” he said during the ongoing Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi.

During the conference, the top leadership of the Indian Army is carefully considering every facet of potential security threats to the current security system.

Additionally, the conference is concentrating on topics relating to organizational reorganization, logistics, administration, human resource management, modernization through indigenization, and the introduction of niche technologies, said the Ministry of Defence.

The conference included a briefing on the Indian Army’s “Transformational Imperatives for a Future Ready Force” plans.

Defence Minister Singh said that the Indian Army is one of the most admired and trusted organizations in the nation. He emphasized the outstanding job done by the Army in protecting India’s borders, combating terrorism, and helping the civil government when needed.

He applauded the Army’s initiatives to create specialized technologies in partnership with civil businesses and elite educational institutions, moving the country closer to the goal of “Modernization through Indigenization” or “Atam Nirbharta.”

In conclusion, he said that in order to be ready for all operational contingencies, operational preparedness must constantly be at its highest level.

The Army Commanders’ Conference is an apex-level biennial event that is taking place in New Delhi from November 7–11.

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Rajnath warns against use of N-option in Ukraine conflict

India is no longer weak, strong and well equipped to meet all challenges: Rajnath Singh.

Defence Minister pointed out that the nuclear option should not be resorted to by any side as the prospect of the usage of nuclear or radiological weapons goes against the basic tenets of humanity…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday and discussed the “deteriorating situation in Ukraine”.

Singh pointed out that the nuclear option should not be resorted to by any side as the prospect of the usage of nuclear or radiological weapons goes against the basic tenets of humanity, India’s Ministry of Defence said.

The two ministers also discussed bilateral defence cooperation during the telephone call initiated at the Russian Defence Minister’s request.

Taking to Twitter, Defence Minister Singh wrote, “Had a telephonic conversation with the Defence Minister of Russia, Mr Sergei Shoigu today. We discussed bilateral defence cooperation as well as the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.”

During the conversation, Russian Defense Minister Shoigu outlined his worries over potential provocations, including the deployment of “dirty bombs” as well as other issues.

Singh tweeted, “He briefed me on the evolving situation in Ukraine, including his concerns about possible provocations through use of ‘dirty bomb’.”

On the other hand, Defence Minister Singh reaffirmed India’s view on the necessity of pursuing the “path of diplomacy” and discussion for a speedy resolution of the crisis.

“Also pointed out that the nuclear option should not be resorted to by any side as the prospect of the usage of nuclear or radiological weapons goes against the basic tenets of humanity,” Singh tweeted.

The official statement from the defence ministry also said that both ministers had agreed to keep in touch.

The conversation came a day after a new advisory was issued for all Indian nationals living in Ukraine by the Indian embassy in Kyiv. In light of the intensifying hostilities, the government has advised its nationals to leave the country as soon as possible.

As a result of an earlier advisory, some Indian citizens have already left Ukraine. The embassy has also provided phone numbers in case assistance is needed to cross the Ukrainian border with neighbouring countries.

Putin oversees retaliatory N-strike drills

Russian President Vladimir Putin has overseen military drills enacting a retaliatory nuclear strike, a media report said.

Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu described the aim of the drills as testing “Russia’s strategic offensive forces’ readiness to conduct a massive nuclear strike in response to an enemy nuclear strike”, RT reported.

According to the Kremlin, land, sea and aviation deterrence forces took part in the maneuvers. Targets located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East were obliterated by the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile, fired from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Arkhangelsk Region, and the Sineva ballistic missile, launched from the Barents Sea. Tu-95 strategic bombers also took part in the exercises, RT reported.

Putin ordered the readiness level of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces to be increased in late February, days after Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine.

In recent weeks, the US and several other Western powers have claimed that Moscow is planning to conduct a tactical nuclear strike in Ukraine — which the Kremlin has vehemently denied.

Moscow has accused Ukraine of preparing to set off a ‘dirty bomb’ to frame Russia. Defense Minister Shoigu called his colleagues in the US, the UK, and several other nations to share Moscow’s concerns, RT reported.

Ukraine has rejected the allegations as “absurd”.

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‘I criticise Nehru’s policies, not his intention’: Rajnath

“This will be a fitting tribute to our fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice while dreaming of an India which is strong, prosperous, self-reliant and victorious,” Rajnath Singh said…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that those criticising the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru must remember not to question either his intention or integrity.

In his address at an event to commemorate the ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’, he said that there are a lot of people who criticise Nehru and that “I also belong to a political party… I do not want to criticise any Prime Minister of the country”.

“I also do not question the intention and integrity of any Prime Minister. There was no failure in their intention,” he said, in a reference to the 1962 India-China war.

“We indeed faced defeat in 1962, but India is no longer that same nation. India is one of the strongest nations now. I don’t target the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru for the 1962 debacle. I criticise the policies India adopted then,” he asserted.

He said today India is self-sufficient in the field of defence.

“India speaks today and the World listens. India is no longer weak. We can criticise anyone’s policies, but we cannot afford to cast a doubt on anyone’s intention,” he said.

‘Well-equipped to give befitting reply’

 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that India is “well equipped” to give befitting reply to “anyone who casts an evil eye on us”.

He said: “India has become a strong and confident nation which is well equipped to protect its people from anyone who tries to cast an evil eye.

“It is the spirit of national pride at the core of our values that protects the unity and integrity of India.”

He asserted that the sole aim of the Narendra Modi government is to safeguard the interests of the nation and it has taken a series of steps to develop a self-reliant defence ecosystem that provides indigenous state-of-the-art weapons/equipment to the armed forces to fight all kinds of future wars.

“Our priority is to achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence as it is central to developing a robust security apparatus for the safety and security of the nation.

“To realise this vision, 68 per cent of the defence budget has been earmarked for procurement of defence equipment from domestic sources. From a net importer, we have now become a net exporter which is not only catering to our own needs, but is also fulfilling the requirements of our friendly countries, in line with the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision,” he said, adding that due to the recent measures taken by the government, India today finds itself among the top 25 exporters of the world in defence items.

“We have set a target to achieve Rs 35,000 crore worth of exports by 2025 and become the top exporter in the times to come. Our aim is to make India a global superpower.

“This will be a fitting tribute to our fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice while dreaming of an India which is strong, prosperous, self-reliant and victorious,” Rajnath Singh said.

On the numerous challenges faced by India, post-independence, he said: “The entire area of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh became the ‘main war theatre’ during 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 wars, when enemies tried to cast an evil eye, but their plans were thwarted by the gallant Indian soldiers.”

Highlighting the valorous deeds of Brigadier Mohammad Usman and Major Somnath Sharma in 1948, Major Shaitan Singh in 1962, India’s historic victory in 1971 war and the contribution of Kargil bravehearts Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Pandey who laid down their lives to protect the unity and integrity of India, he said that they continue to be an inspiration to the people, especially the youth.

He also paid respects to the Indian soldiers who displayed unmatched bravery during the Galwan Valley incident and ensured that the Indian tricolour continues to fly high.

“After tasting defeats in direct wars of 1965 and 1971, Pakistan adopted the path of proxy war. For over two decades, it has tried to ‘bleed India with thousand cuts’. But, time and again, our brave soldiers have shown that no one can disturb the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India,” he added, assuring that the Armed Forces are ready to face all future challenges.

Remembering late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his leadership and words of encouragement to the armed dorces personnel during the Kargil war despite numerous challenges and international pressure, Rajnath Singh termed the victory as a prime example of jointness among the three services and their coordination with the government which safeguarded the sovereignty and integrity of the nation during testing times.

“The Kargil war underlined the dire need to achieve jointness and self-reliance in the defence sector. It has been our endeavour to achieve these qualities to remain prepared for future challenges. Setting up of Joint Theatre Commands and reforms to achieve self-reliance in defence are the steps taken in that direction,” he said.

Rajnath Singh also made special mention of the support extended by the people of Jammu and Kashmir to the armed forces, commending their commitment to safeguard the interests of the country like all other states.

He stated that Union Territory will always be an integral part of the country and the government is ensuring that it, like the rest of the nation, touches newer heights of progress.

Terming Article 370 as an artificial legal barrier, he asserted that its abrogation brought a new dawn of hope to the dreams and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth. The decision opened new avenues for the welfare of the people and the UT is now progressing at a much faster rate, he added.

On PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan, the minister said that these areas are illegally occupied by Pakistan and a resolution to free it has been unanimously passed in the Parliament.

A number of serving Armed Forces personnel as well as veterans, including Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain (Hon) Bana Singh, were among those present on the occasion.

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