President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday declared that “effective deterrence” was the cornerstone of India’s defence policy.
Presenting the ‘President’s Standard’ (which is a flag awarded by the head of state to a military unit and is one of the greatest honours bestowed upon a unit or squadron in recognition of exceptional service) to the 25 and 33 Squadrons of the Indian Air Force at the Air Force Station in Sulur near here, Mukherjee said, “India stands for peace and its foreign policy is focused on the achievement of this objective. Therefore, effective deterrence is the cornerstone of our defence policy. But effective deterrence requires the maintenance of a force that can be called upon at any time to secure the sovereignty of our nation. Our armed forces, of which the men and women stand before us, symbolises this capability.”
Applauding the service rendered by the IAF, he said, “The Indian Air Force has grown into one of the most powerful and professional forces in the world, capable of facing any threat to our national integrity. The operational capability of the IAF constitutes an important cutting edge of the nation’s military strength.”
Commending the 25 Squadron of the IAF — nicknamed The Himalayan Eagles — for its service to the nation, Mukherjee said, “The Squadron has been the lifeline of the armed forces, personnel and citizen in the Northern Frontier for over five decade, in times of peace and war. During the 1965 and 1971 wars and the Kargil operations, the squadron performed some very important operations, apart from providing relief to citizens during natural calamities.”
Lauding the service of 33 Squadron, he said, “The Squadron is the premier transport squadron of the IAF, which participated in both 1965 and 1971 wars, played a major role in Indian Peace Keeping Force operations in Sri Lanka in 1989 and in tsunami relief operations. It maintains an effective air bridge to our island territories.” Mukherjee also inspected a parade. Later the aircraft AN32 and Dornier in small boy formation gave a fly past to the President’s Standard. Members of the Indian Air Force drill team displayed their rifle handling skills, amidst applause from the audience. TN Governor K Rosaiah, Chief of Air Staff NAK Browne, Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief R K Jolly (Southern Air Command) and AK Gogoi (South Western Air Command) and other serving and retired officers of the IAF participated in the function.
