Chennai: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington on 28-29 August.
He was given a detailed update on the professional military education being imparted at DSSC. He appreciated the transformative changes made in the training of the young officers from India and aboard at the Institute and aligning the professional military education imparted to them to deal with the emerging challenges to national security.
He also interacted with the officers of Armed Forces. Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane Lieutenant General MJS Kahlon were present on the occasion.
Delivering a keynote address to the 77th Staff Course, Rajnath Singh said India is ready to face the changing security dynamics of the world due to the reforms taken by the government, emphasising that the Armed Forces need to be fully equipped and prepared at all times.
“We will continue to strengthen our military and ensure that we are a step ahead to deal with any challenges arising out of the changing global security environment,” he added.
Listing out some of these reforms and describing them as those for the future, the Minister said the appointment of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and setting up of Department of Military Affairs will go a long way in continuously bolstering the security infrastructure.
“The decisions have directly linked our Armed Forces to governance as they now have direct involvement in all processes. The appointment of CDS has provided stability to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee as now there is a permanent and single point advisor to the government on important issues of defence and security,” he said.
On the creation of Joint Commands, Rajnath Singh termed the decision as another major structural reform, the progress of which is progressing rapidly, he said.
“With the formation of Integrated Theater Commands, Armed Forces will have to develop Integrated Operational Concepts and Doctrines to fight jointly. I think DSSC can prove to be a good platform for brain storming on this issue,” he added.
On the modernisation of Armed Forces, Rajnath said, the induction of Rafale ended the long wait for Next Generation Aircraft. He added that Arjun Main Battle Tank, Light Utility Helicopter, developing counter measure systems for Armored Fighting Vehicles and modernisation of Air Defence guns are other steps taken to modernise our military.
He also stated that, ever since Independence, some evil forces have resorted to various methods to try and create an atmosphere of instability in the country, but the Armed Forces have ensured that the unity and integrity of the country is maintained.
Referring to the cross-border strikes on terror camps, Rajnath Singh said these attacks changed the reactionary mindset into proactive mindset.
Terming the situation in Afghanistan as challenging, he said the changing equations have forced every country to think on its strategy.
“QUAD, a group of India, Australia, America and Japan, has been formed under this background,” he added.
Rajnath also asserted that India, despite its capabilities, has never attacked any country till date and has always considered the whole world as its family.