It’s a stern warning to those threatening India’s sovereignty, says Defence Min
Amid continuing tension at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an obvious reference to China, said on Thursday the induction of five French-made multirole Rafale jets into the Indian Air Force is a “big and stern” message to those eyeing India’s sovereignty. He also said the Rafale jets are a “game changer” for national security.
He made these observations after presiding over the formal induction of the French-manufactured Rafale jets into the IAF’s “Golden Arrows” squadron.
These jets had arrived at the Ambala airbase on July 27 from France. The French Minister for armed forces Florence Parly too was present at the induction ceremony. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria too participated in the function.
Speaking on the occasion Rajnath said, “The induction of Rafale jets is a big and stern message for the entire world, especially to those eyeing our sovereignty. This kind of induction is very important for the kind of atmosphere that has been created on our borders.”
He said Rafale is considered one of the best combat aircraft globally and the deal to procure the jets was a “game changer” for India’s national security. The Defence Minister said the Government is determined to do “everything possible” to protect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Rajnath’s message to China came hours ahead of the meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave in Moscow.
Without naming China and his recent meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe in Moscow, Rajnath said, “In my recent foreign trip, I put the point of view of India in front of the whole world. I also made everyone aware of the resolve to not compromise India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under any circumstances and we are determined to do everything possible for this purpose.”
The Defence Minister said India’s responsibility is not limited to its territorial boundary only and that it is committed to contribute towards peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region as well as in the Indian Ocean. This came in the backdrop of mounting global concerns over China’s growing military assertiveness in both the regions.
In his address, the Defence Minister also complimented the IAF for its “swift deployment” of assets at forward bases, saying it created confidence that the country’s Air Force is fully prepared to fulfil its operational obligations.
“I would like to congratulate the IAF for its swift and deliberate action near the LAC during a recent unfortunate incident on the border. It shows your commitment,” Singh said without elaborating.
With China ramping up its troop strength besides deploying tanks, guns and more than 150 aircraft at bases near the LAC on its side, in the last three months, the IAF has also placed all its frontline fighter jets including the SU-30, Jaguar and MIG-29 in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the LAC.
The Defence Minister said India is enhancing its military power in its quest for peace. “Our motive behind strengthening our defence has always been driven by our desire for peace. Our country is committed to not take any step which can disturb the peace anywhere. We expect the same from our neighbours, and the rest of the world,” he said.
The French minister said the induction of Rafale into the IAF is a symbol of strong ties between the two countries which is rock solid and time tested. She said now, in military terms, India will acquire a world class capability that will give New Delhi an incredible sovereignty and in strategic terms it will give India an edge over the entire region to defend itself.
She assured timely delivery of the 31 remaining Rafale jets. The French minister also said France is fully committed to the Make in India initiative which has been a reality for French industry for several years particularly in defence sector like in submarines.
Before the ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale, a traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ was performed. There was an air display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by ‘Sarang Aerobatic Team, followed by a traditional water cannon salute to the Rafale aircraft. After the ceremonial events the Indian and French delegations also had a bilateral meeting.
Earlier in the morning, the visiting minister was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour on arrival at Delhi. She later called on National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval.
Friday, 11 September 2020 | PNS/Agencies | New Delhi/Ambala
