Tawang: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh carried out a visit to the forward posts in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday.
Singh personally assessed the operational readiness of the Armed Forces deployed in the region and engaged with the frontline troops stationed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and joined in the Dussehra festivities with them.
He expressed his deep appreciation for the soldiers’ unwavering commitment, indomitable spirit, and unmatched courage in safeguarding the nation, even in challenging conditions.
At the Tawang location, Singh performed a ‘Shastra Puja’ (worship of weapons) with the troops, emphasizing the significance of Dussehra as the victory of good over evil.
In his address, he lauded the righteousness and dharma exhibited by the brave Armed Forces personnel, highlighting their embodiment of the Vijayadashami festival’s ethos.
The defense minister underscored that the valor and dedication of the armed forces have significantly enhanced India’s global stature, positioning it among the world’s most powerful nations.
He cited his recent visit to the Montone memorial in Italy, honoring the contributions of Naik Yaswant Ghadge and other Indian soldiers during World War II. He noted the global recognition of Indian soldiers’ bravery, with both Indians and Italians paying their respects at the memorial.
Considering the current global scenario, Singh emphasized the imperative of strengthening India’s security apparatus.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to bolster the country’s military capabilities through indigenous production of defense equipment.
Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for the remarkable progress in attaining ‘Atma Nirbharta’ in defense.
He also highlighted the transition from reliance on defense imports to the domestic manufacturing of major weapons and platforms. He noted a substantial increase in defense exports, from around Rs 1,000 crore in 2014 to several thousand crores today, indicating India’s strides towards self-reliance in defense.
The defense minister later paid homage at the Tawang War Memorial, laying a wreath in honor of the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1962 war.
He was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) eastern command Lt Gen RP Kalita, GOC of 4 Corps Lt Gen Manish Errys and other senior officers of the Indian Army.
Singh’s visit extended to the 4 Corps Headquarters in Tezpur, Assam, where he conducted a comprehensive review of the formation’s operational readiness.
The minister was briefed on infrastructure development along the LAC and the deployment of advanced military equipment and technology to enhance frontline troop efficiency.
He commended the exemplary efforts and dedication of all Corps ranks, even in the face of challenging conditions.
Also read: Rajnath Singh inaugurates 36 key projects in Arunachal, including Nechiphu tunnel
