New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday that the Russia-Ukraine conflict has highlighted that being “self-reliant without dependencies” was a vital necessity.
Singh said at a Naval Commanders’ conference Thursday that the Indian Navy was at the forefront of the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative’ and that it should continue to lead the way.
Singh said the Navy has provided training to foreign personnel in India. More than 19,000 personnel have been trained in the last four decades from over 45 “friendly” foreign countries, Singh said.
Earlier in the day, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari spoke about the geopolitical situation around the country and said it necessitated the Indian Air Force to prepare for intense and small duration operations at a short notice.
Chaudhuri said there would be a need for the force to prepare for “short swift wars” and be ready for a long drawn standoff akin to what has been seen in eastern Ladakh.
He said: “This new paradigm of high-intensity operations coupled with minimal build-up time would require major changes in terms of operational logistics.”
Also read: Need to prepare for intense, small duration operations at short notice, says IAF chief