SRI NAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said self-reliance in defence offset manufacturing was essential and asserted that strong armed forces were necessary “to create an atmosphere of peace, amity and brotherhood in the country”.
“Self-reliance in defence offset manufacturing is essential for the security (aatma-raksha) of the nation,” Modi said, addressing over 1,000 men and officers of the Army during the “Sainik Samelan” at Badamibagh cantonment, headquarters of the Army’s 15 corps here.
To ensure defence production, he said, a major portion of the defence budget had to be spent on the import of weapon systems and equipment. “This is more than the money spent on the welfare of jawans. When the country starts producing these systems, not only the soldier, but every citizen will get motivated. The money saved could be spent on the welfare of the soldiers.”
“The country needs strong Armed Forces. All that will not happen unless the borders are secure. To achieve this we need to modernize the security forces and I am for it,” he said.
Lauding the sacrifices and selflessness of defence personnel, Modi said, “You have all left your families and are serving in difficult conditions. I assure you that millions of Indians are with you. This support will serve as security for you,” he said.