PM says need to make army a ‘future force’
NEW DELHI: Addressing the country’s top military leadership on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need to develop the Indian military into a “future force” in the backdrop of the swiftly changing technological landscape, break down civil-military silos and expedite decision-making, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Speaking on the concluding day of the Combined Commanders’ Conference at Kevadia in Gujarat, PM asked the three services to rid themselves of legacy systems and practices that are no longer relevant. He also appreciated the “resolute dedication” shown by the armed forces over the past year while dealing with the challenging situation on the northern border and also because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Issues discussed during the conference included a review of the country’s security situation at a time when India’s borders with China and Pakistan are in focus, the military’s operational readiness, the ongoing theaterisation plans and aspects related to modernisation and indigenisation, officials familiar with the matter said, asking not to be named.
Chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat briefed the PM about the discussions that took place during the three-day conference. The PM stressed the importance of enhancing indigenisation in the national security system, not just in sourcing equipment and weapons but also in doctrines, procedures and customs, the statement said. PM Modi also told top commanders to optimise manpower planning in both military and civilian parts of the national security architecture. “The Combined Commanders’ Conference at Kevadia was a fruitful one... Highlighted the need for making India Aatmanirbhar in the defence sector...” the PM tweeted. The PM’S remarks during the top conference are extremely relevant in terms of how the military must develop going forward, said former Northern Command chief Lieutenant General DS Hooda (retd).
“PM’S call for a review of civilmilitary structures is also addressing an area that has hobbled a cohesive national approach to strategic planning,” Hooda said. The conference was held at a time when India and China are negotiating disengagement in eastern Ladakh. It also comes on the back of Indian and Pakistani militaries announcing a ceasefire along the LOC from February 24.