Published 18:48 IST, August 14th 2020
On I-Day eve, Rajnath Singh extols role of Armed Forces, sends veiled warning to China
On the eve of Independence Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday extended his good wishes to the serving and retired personnel of the Armed Forces.
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On eve of Independence Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday extended his good wishes to serving and retired personnel of Armed Forces on behalf of entire nation. He also expressed his condolences to loved ones of personnel laying down ir lives for security of nation. Recalling martyrdom of soldiers in Galwan Valley clash, Singh maintained that country shall never forget ir supreme sacrifice.
During his radio address, he assured Forces that government is doing everything possible to meet ir operational requirements. While observing that India believes in winning over hearts rar than occupying land of or countries, he affirmed that re cant be any compromise on nation's self-respect. This is being perceived as a clear mess to China in wake of LAC faceoff.
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Rajnath Singh remarked, "History is witness to fact that India has never attacked ar country for occupying territory of that country. India believes in winning hearts rar than occupying territory. But this does t imply that we will compromise with our self-respect."
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Singh highlights Centre's initiatives
During his address, Defence Minister lauded Narendra Modi government's "far-sighted" initiative of creating position of Chief of Defence Staff. Highlighting necessity of government-to-government deal to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, he celebrated arrival of first batch of Rafale jets in India. He also touched upon invaluable contribution of AFMS, DRDO, DPSUs etc. in containing spread of COVID-19. Singh congratulated DRDO for setting up of Sardar Vallabhbhai COVID hospital in Delhi within 12 days in collaboration with or government departments.
Border Road Organization also found a special mention for its 80 km road from Uttarakhand's Dharchula to border. According to him, this road will enable completion of Mansarovar Yatra in a week's time. Moreover, he mentioned that Centre had sanctioned official letter on July 23 permitting Permanent Commission to women officers in Indian Army. Concluding his remarks, Singh asserted that nation can snatch even one inch of India's land with deployment of Forces on borders. He added that such a misadventure will elicit severe consequences for aggressor nation.
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18:48 IST, August 14th 2020