Exercise financial prudence: Manohar Parrikar to Armed Forces

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today asked the Army, Air Force and the Navy to exercise "financial prudence" and optimise all available resources even as he reiterated his government's commitment to modernisation of the Armed Forces.

Parrikar, who had earlier asked the three services to prioritise its demands, made it clear that though technology is important for modern warfare, it is ultimately the morale and motivation of soldiers, sailors and air warriors that should be a major focus area for all the commanders.

Addressing the Annual Unified Commanders' Conference for Tri-Services Commanders here, Parrikar said the government is committed to provide all support towards modernisation of the Armed Forces. But, he said, there is a need to exercise financial prudence and optimise all available resources, according to an official statement.

The three forces have a long list of equipment that they are eager to get their hands on which includes new submarines, guns, missiles, fighter aircraft among others.

Keeping in mind the financial backing that is needed, the government is going in for a calibrated move and only those which are a priority is being pushed through.

Earlier, Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Air Marshal P P Reddy presented a report covering major achievements on key Tri-Services issues.

On this occasion, the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Air Staff and Service Chiefs also addressed the conclave highlighting the major issues pertaining to their respective services.

During the day-long conference, key security issues facing the nation and important strategic, operational, logistical, administrative aspects pertaining to Tri-Services were deliberated upon.

The Annual Unified Commanders' Conference (UCC) for Tri-Services Commanders was organised under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.

Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Naval Chief Admiral R K Dhowan and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh attended the conference, besides Defence Secretary R K Mathur and other senior officials.