Digital Desk: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Tuesday that although the nation does not support war, it will fight if necessary.
“We do not believe in war, but if it is forced upon us, we will fight. We are ensuring that the nation is protected from all threats. Our Armed Forces are ready and it is heartening to see that the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) is walking shoulder-to-shoulder with them,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Siang.
Rajnath Singh emphasised that the objective is to create a powerful and independent “New India” to successfully handle potential future issues that may develop owing to the continuously changing global environment.
“The world is witnessing a number of conflicts today. India has always been against war. It is our policy. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew the world’s attention to that resolve when he said ‘this is not the era of war’,” said Singh.
The defence minister also emphasised the critical part the BRO is playing in enhancing national security by building infrastructure in border regions.
“Recently, our forces effectively countered the adversary in the Northern sector and dealt with the situation with bravery and promptness. This was made possible due to adequate infrastructural development in the region. This motivates us even more for the progress of far-flung areas,” he said.
The Siyom Bridge, which is crucial from a strategic perspective, was physically inaugurated during the event on Along-Yinkiong Road, while the other projects were virtually committed to the country. The Siyom Bridge spans the Siyom River in Arunachal Pradesh at a length of 100 metres and a class of 70 steel arch superstructures.
The Defence Minister occasionally also published a Compendium on New Technologies. It incorporates the latest technologies being adopted by the BRO in the construction of roads, bridges, airfields and tunnel infrastructure to negate the effects of remote and hostile terrain with the adverse weather condition, which unduly affects the quality of civil engineering works and meeting the completion timelines.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, MP Arunachal East Tapir Gao, GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lieutenant General RP Kalita and GOC Spear Corps Lieutenant General RC Tiwari were among those who attended the event.
In his speech, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to the projects as evidence of the Government’s and the BRO’s coordinated efforts to develop border regions so as to improve the operational readiness of the Armed Forces and assure the socioeconomic development of the remote areas.
He argued that connecting border regions and ensuring the development of their populations are key priorities for the government, which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.