Page 27 - NIS English December1-15

The Government has been consistently Strengthening border infrastructure not only
improving upon the defence infrastructure to deal
with new challenges. What are the other targets set
by the Government?
Our Armed Forces, along with other uniformed
forces are backbone of security architecture of the
Nation – both internal security as well as security
on borders. There is a constant effort to equip them
with the latest weapons on land, in air and in the
sea; by bringing about jointness and modernisation
through reforms such as appointment of Chief of
Defence Staff (CDS), and other necessary reforms.
Our defence preparedness will be
strengthened by a substantial decrease
in our imports. We also have to
understand that no country aspiring to
become a great power can depend on
purchasing defence equipment from
abroad for a long time. The Government
is constantly working in this direction, the
result of which is also visible
improves logistics but also contributes to the
local economy. Under the decisive leadership of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government is
fully geared up to face any challenge. On October
3, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated
the World’s longest highway tunnel – Atal Tunnel
– to the nation at its south portal in Manali. The
9.02-kilometre-long tunnel connecting Manali
to Lahaul-Spiti Valley would not only reduce the
travel time between Manali and Keylong by 3-4
hours but also provides all weather connectivity
to the region. In addition, we have also completed
several bridges and roads in the border regions.
Let me emphasise here that infrastructure
development in the far-flung areas not only
contribute to defence preparedness but fosters
socio-economic development of the region.
India has shown its strength through
surgical strike and Balakot air strikes. What
was Government’s thought behind such bold
decisions?
Our approach to tackle cross-border terrorism
was guided by the fact that one has to seek peace
from the position of strength. Valiant jawans of our
Army are constantly thwarting nefarious designs
of the western neighbour to push terrorists across
the border into our territory. It is a long standing
problem and unfortunately, Pakistan continues
to remain adamant in the use of terrorism as
state policy. We were not prepared to remain
just a mute spectator. We have developed some
alternative responses to counter the evil designs
of our western neighbour and exercised them
after the attack on our CRPF Jawans in Pulwama.
It is hoped that Pakistan realised the futility of
practising such policies. Besides we have time
and again reiterated India is determined to protect
India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Research and innovation have played an
important role in India's current military prowess.
What are the new experiments being planned in
this regard?
DRDO's pursuit of self-reliance and successful
indigenous development and production of
New India Samachar 25