New Delhi/Kevadiya, Mar 5 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday lauded and saluted selfless courage of soldiers during the recent Eastern Ladakh standoff.
Addressing the Combined Commanders' Conference at Kevadia, Mr Singh said, 'India's resolute response on the borders has helped in positive and peaceful resolution of certain significant issues. I salute the selfless courage displayed by the soldiers.'
'Our ability to secure India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty from external threats and internal challenges have been strengthened in the recent years. Our forces today are proactive and more resolute in their response,' he said in a series of tweets.
He noted that enhanced defence capabilities will allow us to be better prepared for contingencies.
During the address, he spoke on a wide range of issues pertaining to the defence and security of the nation, the emerging nature of military threats, the critical role of the Armed Forces in meeting these challenges and the nature of warfare in future.
'We as a country are looking to strengthen our ability to create secure and stable environment that can facilitate India's economic growth,' the Defence Minister said.
'Our national interests are defined by the elements of National integration, sovereignty, sociology-economic development, conservation of our values and peaceful and harmonious region and world. We are committed to protect the territorial integrity and ensure peace in the region,' he tweeted.
The armed forces are capable to protect our nation's interests. India has nurtured close relations and partnerships with like-minded countries to further the common security interests, the Defence Minister said.
'We are working towards increasing jointnes in the armed forces. The optimal utilisation of our resources and rationalisation of manpower holds the key to jointness and better coordination between the forces.
It is for the first time in the history of this Conference that the top military leadership is closely interacting with JCO’s and other ranks. This is a step taken in right direction, ' he posted on twitter.
Mr Singh reached Kevadia this morning to attend the Combined Commanders' Conference and started the day by visiting the ‘Statue of Unity’ and paying tributes to the ‘Iron Man of India’, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
UNI SV SHK2013