Taking a dig at the previous UPA government, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday that lack of timely decision-making in the last decade had caused gaps in military preparedness. However, Ms. Sitharaman assured the armed forces that the NDA government was committed to fill them.
She made the comments while addressing the bi-annual Indian Air Force (IAF) Commanders Conference which began at the IAF Headquarters. Later in the day she also addressed the bi-annual Army Commanders Conference which is currently under way.
“During her address the Defence Minister said the devolved powers given to the Service Chiefs should be fully utilised for achieving their capabilities. She said that the budgetary allocations should not be viewed as a constraint and should be looked at to acquire what is absolutely necessary,” the IAF said in a statement.
In his address, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa reiterated the IAF’s role as the first responder in most contingencies and stressed on the need to sustain the ongoing process of capability enhancement.
Improving strategic infrastructure
Addressing the Army Commanders at Manekshaw Centrel, Ms. Sitharaman listed integration of the armed forces as her priority as it was essential, particularly in the domain of training, communication, logistics and cyberspace to prepare for any future conflict.
“Assuring focus on capacity and capability development, she promised close monitoring of improvement in strategic infrastructure, long pending force modification requests, welfare of serving, retired and families,” the Army said in a statement.
Ms. Sitharaman has also informed the Army of her request to Home Minister Rajnath Singh for provisioning of Humanitarian And Disaster Relief (HADR) equipment to allow the Indian Army to use them during natural disasters.
Since taking charge as Defence Minister, Ms. Sitharaman has travelled extensively to various military stations and border areas.
