AMN
India Defence Minister Manohar Parrikarhas said that self-reliance in the defence sector will not only lead to better war preparedness and give boost to economy but will also curb the corrupt practices in defence imports. He was speaking at the 142nd chapter of the Vasant Vyakhyanmala, a Spring Lecture Series in Pune last night.
Presenting the topic ‘Defence Production Self Reliance and Road Ahead’, the minister addressed a fully-packed audience at the Tilak Smarak Mandir Auditorium.
Mr Parrikar stressed that as the nation tries to achieve self-reliance in defence, Indians must learn to imbibe the philosophy of self-reliance.
Commenting on the reports from Pentagon, that China has been raising troop strength on the border with India, Mr Parrikar said, the Armed Forces were fully prepared.
Asked about women being given permanent commission in the forces, Mr Parrikar said, though the issue is clear conceptually, a lot of work needs to be done on the infrastructure required for such training. He said, three women were being trained to be inducted as fighter pilots into the Indian Air Force and the country would see its first set of women fighter pilots on June 18.