New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday asked the armed forces to optimise resources and enhance cost effectiveness while exhorting them to exploit joint capabilities for a predominant role in the volatile region around the country.
He also reviewed key security issues facing the country and discussed important strategic, operational, administrative and logistics aspects pertaining to tri-services at the two-day Annual Unified Commanders' Conference in the national capital.
Parrikar asked the armed forces to conduct joint exercises involving more than one Service with friendly foreign countries, especially those in South East Asia, in tune with the India's 'Act East Policy'.
He stressed the need for unity among the three Services to optimise resources and enhance cost effectiveness so that maximum funds can be made available for modernisation of the armed forces, a statement by the Defence Ministry said.
Parrikar said that by virtue of India's dominant geographical location, the country is poised for a predominant role in the volatile region around us. Hence, there is a requirement to exploit this advantage by developing joint capabilities.
In order to achieve self-reliance, he emphasised on 'Make in India' initiative and indigenisation of defence production.
He commended the armed forces for their devotion to duty and the stellar role played by them in safeguarding the country's unity and integrity. The minister also paid homage to all valiant soldiers, sailors and air warriors for their supreme sacrifice.
The Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, in his opening remarks, dwelt upon issues of tri-services.
Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag and Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba addressed the conclave highlighting the major issues pertaining to their respective Services.
A report covering major achievements on key tri-services issue was presented by Officiating Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee Air Marshal A S Bhonsle.
The function was attended by Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh and Deputy National Security Advisor Arvind Gupta among others.
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