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New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) Defense Minister Rajnath Singh visited the border district of Jaisalmer to attend the Army Commanders’ Conference, where he urged the armed forces to adopt a dynamic and future-ready approach to national security.
During his address, the Defense Minister stressed the need for long-term and short-term strategic planning amid the evolving geopolitical landscape, while calling for a strong and adaptive comprehensive security framework.
He praised the armed forces for their unwavering service in all areas – from border security and humanitarian relief to defence, diplomacy and nation building.
The senior leadership of the Army briefed him about emerging areas like border security, internal threats and gray zone warfare.
The conference also focused on the Army’s roadmap for Jointness, Self-Reliance and Innovation (JAI).
Additionally, the Defense Minister inaugurated ‘Shaurya Van’, a unique cactus garden in Jaisalmer, which showcases the desert flora of India and promotes ecological awareness.
He paid homage to the martyrs at the Jaisalmer War Museum and later interacted with the soldiers during the traditional Barakhana, praising their dedication and morale.
Along with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Singh visited the forward areas of Tanot and Longewala.
At the iconic Laungwala battle site, he paid floral tributes and inaugurated ‘Chandpuri Hall’, an audio-visual room dedicated to Major (later Brigadier) Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, the hero of the 1971 Battle of Laungwala.
Notably, war veterans were also honored during the programme.
He reviewed infrastructure projects aimed at developing Laungewala as a symbol of national pride, and witnessed the capability demonstration exercise of the newly formed Bhairav Battalion and Ashni Platoon, showcasing state-of-the-art technologies and integrated battlefield capabilities.
Rajnath Singh also inaugurated Konark and Edge Data Center for Fire and Fury Corps and launched initiatives including Equipment Helpline, Sainik Yatri Mitra App and Defense Millet Recipe Collection.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment towards modernisation, Singh said defense diplomacy, self-reliance, information warfare, infrastructure and force modernization will remain the pillars of India’s future-ready military.
–IANS
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