States »EasPosted at: Jun 17 2021 10:53PM India knows how to give befitting reply to any external aggression: Rajnath Singh
Itanagar, Jun 17 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that India is capable of giving a befitting reply to any external aggression.
"India is the only country which gave the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). We want peace. We have never resorted to aggression against any country. But India knows how to give befitting reply to any external aggression," Singh said while dedicating 12 roads, built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to the nation at a programme organised at Kimin under Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Defence Minister said the new roads hold strategic and socio-economic importance as they will play an important role in strengthening national security as well as promoting development of the North-East (NE) region.
"These roads will be helpful in fulfilling the needs of our armed forces and transporting necessities like medicines and ration to remote areas,” Singh said while lauding the BRO for its contribution in infrastructure development of remote border areas of the country.
He said these road projects are part of the ‘Act East Policy’ of the Centre wherein special emphasis is being laid on the overall development of the border areas.
Singh reiterated the resolve of the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the development of NE, describing the region as the gateway to not only the overall development of the country, but also to the nation’s relations with East Asian countries.
"NE has a unique geographical features and it has strategic importance. This region is connected with five countries. Our government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed for working for the development of NE region," he said.
Singh paid tribute to the soldiers who showed exemplary courage during the Galwan Valley clash last year and made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
He touched upon some of the major reforms undertaken by the Centre , including appointment of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), measures to boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing and Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
The Defence Minister said these reforms are proving to be a game changer in the military preparedness in the rapidly changing times.
"We are actively working towards making India a defence manufacturing hub. Self-reliance in defence production will reduce our dependence on imports, increase exports and strengthen our economy," he said.
The 12 new roads, including 10 in Arunachal Pradesh , and one each in Union Territories of Ladhak and Jammu and Kashmir, e-inaugurated on Thursday were constructed under ‘Arunank’, ‘Vartak’, ‘Brahmank’, ‘Udayak’, ‘Himank’ and ‘Sampark’ projects of BRO at a cost of Rs 1,661 crore.
Among dignitaries, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his Assam counterpart Himanata Biswa Sarma, and Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat ,
Director General of Border Roads (DGBR) Lt General Rajeev Chaudhry were present on the occasion.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) Jitendra Singh attended the programme virtually.
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