News Reporter
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh - October 25, 2023: In a visit to the border regions of Arunachal Pradesh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, conducted a comprehensive review of India's military readiness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He commended the troops for their unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage in guarding the border, highlighting the importance of bolstering national security given the current global scenario.
Singh celebrated Dussehra with soldiers at a military base near the LAC, emphasizing its symbolism of good triumphing over evil. He performed a "shastra puja" (worship of weapons) at the military base, underscoring the significance of military preparedness.
During his visit, the Defence Minister also paid tribute at the Tawang war memorial, honoring the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1962 war with China. Tawang, a center for Buddhism, holds strategic importance, and India has been strengthening its military infrastructure in the region in recent years.
Singh expressed his gratitude to the soldiers for their dedication, commitment, and courage in protecting the nation under challenging conditions. He stated that efforts were being made to enhance India's military capabilities through the indigenous production of defense equipment. He highlighted the shift from reliance on imports to domestic manufacturing, with the country now exporting defense equipment worth thousands of crores.
In his address to the soldiers, Singh praised the "righteousness and dharma" of the armed forces as embodiments of the Vijayadashmi festival's ethos. He acknowledged that India's growing global stature is due in no small part to the valor and dedication of its armed forces.
The Defence Minister also noted that India's economic success contributes to its global profile. However, he emphasized that without effective border security, the nation's rise would not have been possible.
Singh's recent visit to the Montone memorial in Italy, dedicated to Indian soldiers who fought in World War II, highlighted the international recognition of Indian soldiers' bravery. Even Italians pay their respects at the memorial, showcasing the global recognition of their contributions.
The Defence Ministry reported that Singh was briefed on the development of infrastructure along the LAC and the deployment of advanced military equipment to enhance troop operational efficiency.
While India and China have disengaged from some friction points in eastern Ladakh, tensions persist in other areas along the LAC. India's stance remains that normalized ties with China require peace in the border regions. As a response to these challenges, the Indian Army has significantly increased troop and weaponry deployment along the LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors.