Rajnath Singh asks Army to stay prepared, modernise for future contingencies

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asked the Indian Army to stay prepared for various contingencies and highlighted the need for continuously modernising its strategies and capabilities.
Singh, while addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference virtually from Sukma (West Bengal) due to bad weather preventing his arrival in Sikkim, praised the Army for being one of the most trusted institutions in the country.
“The unconventional and asymmetric warfare happening in parts of the world requires the armed forces to consider these factors while planning and formulating strategies. Be alert, regularly modernise, and continuously prepare for various contingencies,” Singh said.
He also expressed confidence in the Army’s readiness to handle any situation along the northern borders and assured that the government’s ongoing talks with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would continue for a peaceful resolution to the Ladakh issue.
Singh also commended the Army’s efforts in countering cross-border terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I compliment the excellent synergy between the police forces and the army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory are contributing to increased stability and peace in the region, which was also evident in the recently conducted elections in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Defence Minister said.
Rajnath Singh also virtually inaugurated the “Prema Sthal” memorial at Burdang near Gangtok, built in the memory of 22 soldiers who died in last year’s flash floods in Sikkim.