Border tensions: House panel to examine operational readiness of defence forces

The preparedness of defence forces in light of recent border stand-offs with China has come under parliamentary scrutiny.

The parliamentary standing committee on defence will examine strategic operational preparedness of defence forces, including border security, in view of current security scenario. The 30-member committee, which is headed by BJP MP and former tribal affairs minister Jual Oram, has Congress' Rahul Gandhi as a member. The development is significant as the meetings of the parliamentary panel on defence have seen angry exchanges between ruling BJP and Opposition MPs. Gandhi walked out of the House meeting at least twice over the last one year accusing Oram for not allowing him to speak on skirmishes on Sino-India border.

According to sources, the committee will now discuss preparedness of defence forces and also take up border security. Apart from this, preparedness of the armed forces in terms of modern warfare, including cyber threat and anti drone capabilities, will be examined. The meetings are expected to be animated, especially since the Opposition parties have been demanding that the panel examine border run-ins with China.


The panel comprises 18 MPs from BJP and its supporting parties and 12 from the Opposition.