Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited the forward posts in Arunachal Pradesh to assess the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He interacted with the troops stationed there and celebrated Dussehra with them. During his visit, he expressed gratitude for the troops’ unwavering commitment and courage in protecting the nation and its people, especially in challenging conditions.
Shri Rajnath Singh performed Shastra Puja with the troops at Tawang and highlighted the significance of Dussehra as a symbol of good triumphing over evil. He praised the righteousness and dharma of the Armed Forces as a living testament to the festival’s ethos of Vijayadashmi.
The Raksha Mantri emphasized that the valor and dedication of the Armed Forces have contributed significantly to India’s global stature, making it one of the most powerful nations. He mentioned his visit to the Montone memorial in Italy, which honors Indian soldiers who fought in World War II to liberate Montone. This memorial is a symbol of the global recognition of the bravery of Indian soldiers.
Given the current global scenario, Shri Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of strengthening India’s security apparatus. He mentioned the efforts made by the Indian government to boost indigenous defense equipment production, moving towards self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defense. He highlighted the shift from relying on imports to domestic manufacturing and technology-sharing with foreign companies. The Raksha Mantri noted the significant increase in defense exports from India since 2014.
During his visit, Shri Rajnath Singh also paid respects at the Tawang War Memorial and laid a wreath in honor of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1962 war. He was accompanied by senior officers of the Indian Army, including Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and other key leaders.
In Tezpur, Assam, Shri Rajnath Singh visited the 4 Corps Headquarters and reviewed the operational readiness of the formation. He was briefed on infrastructure development along the LAC and the use of advanced military equipment and technology to enhance operational efficiency. The Raksha Mantri commended the hard work and dedication of all ranks of the Corps operating in challenging conditions.