Stress-related manifestations in soldiers are on rise: Subhash Bhamre

NEW DELHI: Stress-related manifestations in soldiers are on the rise, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said even as he emphasised on the need to take adequate steps to counter them.

With the rapid pace of technological advancement and information warfare gaining in strength day-by-day, these factors are taking a heavy toll on the human element, he said.

Bhamre, who inaugurated the 58th Conference of International Military Testing Association ( IMTA) here, said insurgencies, terrorism and fundamentalism are the threats that an Indian soldier faces within the country and handling adversaries from within are a big hurdle.

He said to select, train and sustain the military in such a hostile environment needs good selection, training and nurturance, a statement by the Defence Ministry said.

Appreciating the theme of the four-day conference 'Psychological Assessment: Shaping the Future Soldier', the Minister said shaping of the soldiers could take place by optimising their performance.

He called upon the delegates that their vision statement should be "preparedness and well-being of soldier" for his mental and physical well-being.

Over 127 delegates from 21 countries, including hosts India, are participating in the conference organised by Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), a Delhi based laboratory of DRDO.