Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said he would prioritise logistics, infrastructure and indigenous procurement. Addressing a press conference, Mr. Parrikar said progress in defence deals had, over the last 10 years, become clogged due to scams and graft. “Henceforth, except in case of sophisticated equipment, my endeavour will be to promote Indian companies in procurements,” said Mr. Parrikar.
Mr. Parrikar said he would visit the Eastern Border soon. He said he would seek to strengthen the capacities and capabilities of the defence forces and create an atmosphere of peace along the Line of Control.
The Army was a huge institution with large infrastructure spread across the length and breadth of the country, said the newly elected Defence Minister, stressing on optimal utilisation of the nearly 20 lakh hectares of land held by the Indian Army across the country. “I am aware of the fact that all facilities at the National Defence Academy need to be spruced up,” Mr. Parrikar said.
