New Delhi, March 27: General Manoj Pande, the Army Chief, emphasized the importance of self-reliance in military production during his address on Wednesday, highlighting the necessity for the country to domestically source essential equipment like ammunition. He underscored the need to develop indigenous capabilities, aiming to reduce import dependencies to near zero.
Speaking at the Times Now Summit, General Pande stated, “It will be a strategic imperative in the future to be self-reliant.” He emphasized the significance of sourcing sustenance equipment indigenously, including ammunition, to ensure the nation’s technological advancement. General Pande noted that relying on imports would perpetually keep the country one cycle behind in technology.
Referring to Exercise Bharat Shakti in Pokhran, General Pande highlighted the demonstration of India’s efforts towards capability development through self-reliance. He emphasized the robustness of indigenous systems showcased during the exercise.
Discussing the evolving nature of warfare, General Pande emphasized the increasing importance of technology. He noted that conventional combat would no longer solely determine victory, with critical niche technologies and unmanned weapons playing significant roles. General Pande stressed the importance of efficiently leveraging technology both domestically and commercially.
Addressing concerns about challenges on the Northern border due to Chinese presence, General Pande assured that the Army is well-prepared and has robust systems in place. He mentioned the ongoing diplomatic and military talks, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve issues. General Pande reiterated the Army’s focus on both talks and developmental work, ensuring high levels of preparedness and vigilance across borders.
