Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed his recent remarks about the necessity for the Indian Armed Forces to be prepared for war, stating that such preparedness is essential for maintaining peace. Speaking during his visit to Lucknow, Singh clarified that his statements were made with the intent of safeguarding India’s peace under all circumstances.
Addressing the media, Rajnath Singh clarified that his statement was aimed at ensuring that India’s peace remains unbreached under any circumstances. He stated that despite India’s long-standing advocacy for peace, the prevailing geopolitical situation necessitates a robust defense posture.
“India is the only country in the world that has espoused the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the belief in the world as one family,” Rajnath said. “India has always championed peace, and that will never change. However, in light of today’s geopolitical challenges, I have advised the military to be always prepared for war to maintain peace within India and globally.”
During his Lucknow visit, Union Minister Rajnath Singh also offered prayers at Khatu Shyam Mandir in the city.
On September 5, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the inaugural Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC) in Lucknow, emphasising the need for jointness and integration among the three services for future challenges. The conference, themed ‘Sashakt aur Surakshit Bharat: Transforming the Armed Forces,’ focused on enhancing jointness and integration among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Singh highlighted the necessity of a cohesive military strategy to tackle future challenges.
During the conference, Rajnath Singh commended the Armed Forces for their invaluable contributions to national security and the advancement of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). He emphasised the importance of evolving a unified military vision to address potential threats effectively. This includes preparing for various types of conflicts and ensuring a rapid and proportionate response to provocations.
He encouraged the Commanders to study ongoing global conflicts such as those between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas, as well as the situation in Bangladesh. He stressed the need for a broad and deep analysis by military leadership to anticipate and prepare for potential future threats. Singh called for a synergised, swift, and proportionate response to provocations, with a focus on maintaining peace and stability along India’s borders and in neighboring regions.
In his address, Rajnath Singh also touched upon the broader theme of the conference, ‘Sashakt aur Surakshit Bharat: Transforming the Armed Forces’, reiterating that a strong and prepared military is integral to preserving peace.
He stressed upon the significance of evolving joint military vision and preparing for the type of challenges the country may face in future wars, while emphasising on synergised, swift and proportionate response to provocations.
Referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts and the current situation in Bangladesh, the Defence Minister exhorted the Commanders to analyse these episodes, predict the problems that the country may face in the future, and stay prepared to deal with the “unexpected”.
He emphasised on the need of a broader & deeper analysis by the top military leadership in view of the situation along the Northern border and the happenings in neighbouring countries, which are posing a challenge to peace & stability in the region.
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