India’s Progress Would Have Been Faster, If We Had More Secure Borders: NSA Ajit Doval

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday said that India was progressing at a fast pace and was slated to achieve greater heights in years to come, both economically and militarily. He, however, lamented that this ‘scale and scope of progress’ could have been higher had India’s borders been more secure.

NSA Ajit Doval while delivering the Rustamji memorial lecture at the BSE Investiture Ceremony said, “India’s economic progress would have probably been much faster if we had more secure, defined borders with our western and northern neighbours.”

Lauding the government’s endeavour to achieve ‘Atmanirbharta’ in all sectors including Defence, he said that the next ten years will see India emerging as a major exporter, as opposed to its over-reliance on weapon imports in previous regimes.

NSA Doval, addressing the BSF program said, “Today India is changing, we are living in changing times. In the next 10 years India, we will not only be one of the world’s major economies but also one of the world’s most advanced countries and a military power. Everything will be made in India – Atmanirbhar Bharat. India which was always an importer of weapons and equipment has now become its major exporter.”

Doval added that the Modi government has kept a high and persistent focus on security and management of our borders, the result of which is visible today.

“There is no Diwali when the Prime Minister has not gone to the farthest frontiers and celebrated it with the soldiers of BSF, ITBP and Army, “ Doval said, adding, “His meetings with units posted there is remarkable. Even constitutional authorities like Governors also asked to visit borders.”

He also credited the Prime Minister for the survey of 12,000 villages along the border and said that if the top leader of the establishment understands the gravity and importance of borders, half of the work gets done on its own.

“Excellent work is done by the Home Ministry. There have been better laws and coordination during the last three years. Better equipment are also given,” he added.

(With agency inputs)

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