Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, while addressing military veterans at the fifth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day at the Headquarters Training Command of the Indian Air Force in Bengaluru.
Rakhyamantri Singh said that India did not want to have conflicts with any nation in the world, including its neighbours and our country is capable of giving a stern reply to any superpower intending to hurt the self-respect of the nation.
The Defence Minister also spoke on the ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the Indo-Pakistan border and the Indo-China standoff. For the latter, he said that Indian jawans showed exemplary bravery, courage, and patience. He also urged veterans – especially youths — to share their experience with society.
Singh also said that more than 50,000 jobs would be created due to the Cabinet Committee on Security’s (CCS) approval for producing 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A for the Indian Air Force at a cost of Rs 48,000 crore by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The event was also attended by Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat. Veteran’s Day was chosen as recognition of the services rendered by the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Armed Forces, Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, who retired on this day in 1953. Military veterans, their next of kin, and representatives of various ex-servicemen organisations attended the meet.
