Defense minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India’s growing economic power matches its defence capabilities as he visited forward posts in Arunachal Pradesh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
“People have realised that we are not only growing as an economic power but the same trajectory is seen in our defence capabilities as well. Earlier, we used to import almost all arms and weapons. Before 2014, our annual arms and weapons exports were worth around ₹1100 crores,” said Singh.
He added India was now exporting them for over ₹20,000 crores. “…all weapons are being made in India by Indians. Even weapons manufacturers from abroad are collaborating with Indians and making their products in India,” said Singh. He credited the dedication with which soldiers were protecting the borders for the rise in India’s stature globally. “The economic progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one reason for India’s rise. …if you had not protected the country’s borders and without your contribution, it would not have been possible.”
Singh cited the difficult circumstances under which soldiers were protecting India’s borders and added that every youth desires to join the defence forces. “…people of the country know the valour and honour associated with this uniform,” said Singh.
Singh also visited the Tawang War Memorial to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1962 war with China.
India and China have since 2020 been locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh. The ties between the two countries deteriorated to a six-decade low after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in clashes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. Beijing claimed that only four Chinese soldiers were killed.
Singh, who interacted with the troops, celebrated Dussehra and performed Shastra Puja with the troops at Tawang, reviewed the operational readiness on the second day of his two-day visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Army chief Manoj Pande is among those accompanying him.
Singh was briefed on the infrastructure development along the LAC, cutting-edge military equipment and technology for enhancing the operational efficiency of the troops deployed along the LAC.
Chinese People’s Liberation Army soldiers attempted to transgress the LAC in December last year and triggered a skirmish with Indian soldiers in the Tawang sector.
China has built hundreds of xiaokang (moderately prosperous villages) across LAC stretching from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. Some of the new settlements are in proximity to strategically important positions on the Indian side.
India is also setting up villages along its borders with China under the Vibrant Villages Programme to develop areas with sparse population, limited connectivity and infrastructure. The Chinese claim large parts of Arunachal Pradesh including Tawang.
