National security above politics: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

He also expressed his gratitude to the Telangana government and the chief minister for their full support in facilitating the project.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy at the stone laying ceremony for a radar station at Damagundam on Tuesday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy at the stone laying ceremony for a radar station at Damagundam on Tuesday.(Photo | Sri Loganathan Velmurugan, EPS)
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HYDERABAD: Asserting that there was no scope for politics in matters of national security and development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged people from varying political ideologies to come together for the progress of the nation. “When it comes to the security and sovereignty of the nation, all the people should rise above ideologies, religions and sects and become one,” he said.

Rajnath, along with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, laid the foundation stone for a Very Low Frequency (VLF) naval radar station in the Damagundam forest area of Vikarabad district on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, the Union minister said the VLF station would expand the military capabilities of the country and prove to be a boon for the armed forces. He asserted that the high-tech VLF station, once operational, would not just be a military establishment, but also a strategic asset of national importance.

“Effective coordination between men and machines is becoming extremely important given the evolving methods of warfare. This VLF station is being built with the vision of securing our maritime interests. It will ensure secure and real-time communication between our ships and submarines with the command centres of the armed forces.

A foolproof communication [mechanism] is a decisive factor for victory. Without real-time communication, we cannot gain an edge despite having adequate equipment or manpower,” Rajnath explained.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Telangana government and the chief minister for their full support in facilitating the project.

Speaking on the occasion, Revanth said there would be no politics over national security issues. He criticised those opposing the VLF project, accusing them of spreading misconceptions. He stated that Telangana is taking a significant step forward in national defence, with Hyderabad serving as a hub for defence establishments. Addressing environmental concerns, he said, “We can only think about environmental protection if our country and its people are safe. Disputing a project of national security is inappropriate. Our government will fully support the VLF project.”

The chief minister also requested the Union minister to allow public access to the Ramalingeswara Swamy temple, located within the VLF station site.

A model of the VLF radar station in Vikarabad | Sri Loganathan Velmurugan
A model of the VLF radar station in Vikarabad | Sri Loganathan Velmurugan

Support of friendly nations essential for maritime peace: Rajnath

Rajnath stated: “Our interest is spread across the Indo-Pacific region. We have also emerged as the first responder and a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Today, many countries have shifted their focus towards marine resources in the region. If India has to secure its commercial and security interests and remain a strong deep-sea force, it is necessary to possess state-of-the-art platforms or equipment and a strong communication system.

Quoting the adage, “A good Navy is not a provocation to war, but a surety of peace”, the defence minister described the Indian Navy as the primary guarantor of peace in the IOR, including the Bay of Bengal. He stressed that countries sharing maritime boundaries with India must understand that maritime security is a collective responsibility. He warned that inviting external forces into the region undermines this effort.

“Maintaining peace and order in the Bay of Bengal and the IOR should be our top priority. The support of all friendly nations is essential, as leaving even one country out affects the entire security framework. India believes in unity, not division. We are taking every possible step to move forward in partnership with our friendly neighbouring countries,” he said.

Allaying fears of environmental damage

Addressing environmental concerns, Rajnath said that all necessary environmental safeguards are being implemented. He added that provisions for the rehabilitation of affected communities, if required, will be made during the construction phase. He emphasised that sustainable development is a priority for the government and stated that the new technology used in the VLF station would not harm the environment.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy interacts with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff, during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Indian Navy’s second Very Low Frequency (VLF) Radar Station in Damagundam forest area in Vikarabad district on Tuesday | Sri Loganathan Velmurugan
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy interacts with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff, during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Indian Navy’s second Very Low Frequency (VLF) Radar Station in Damagundam forest area in Vikarabad district on Tuesday | Sri Loganathan Velmurugan

The defence minister also highlighted the economic benefits of the project, noting that the VLF station will open new opportunities for employment and economic development in the area. “During construction, skilled and unskilled workers from nearby areas will find employment. Once operational, the station will continue to offer ample job opportunities. Beyond increasing employment, this station will act as a growth pole, accelerating economic development in the surrounding areas,” he said.

TG govt will not compromise on national security: CM

Citing a similar project in Tamil Nadu in the 90s, which caused no harm to locals, Revanth urged those opposing the project to consider national security and pointed out that all key decisions related to land transfer and funding allocation for the VLF station were made in 2017 under the previous BRS government. He reiterated that the Telangana government would not compromise on national security. “Politics and parties matter only during elections, but when it comes to national defence, we must all stand united,” he said.

The VLF project, which is being carried out by the Union government at a cost of `3,200 crore, will cover 2,900 acres and include a naval township to house approximately 3,000 residents. Once completed, it will enhance the Indian Navy’s operational readiness, providing effective command and control capabilities in challenging maritime environments. The station will play a crucial role in strengthening the Navy’s communication infrastructure, ensuring secure and reliable long-distance transmission.

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