NEW DELHI, Oct 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said full scale wars may become rare and military strength will remain an instrument of deterrence.
Addressing the annual combined commanders conference, his first such interaction, he said “force” will influence behaviour of others towards India.
“Full scale wars may become rare, but force will remain an instrument of deterrence and influencing behaviour, and the duration of conflicts will be shorter,” Modi said adding, “The threats may be known, but the enemy may be invisible.”
The Prime Minister’s observation came against the backdrop of recent cross-border violations by Pakistan and tensions on the Line of Control and International Border as well as Chinese incursions in Ladakh.
“Beyond the immediate, we are facing a future where security challenges will be less predictable; situations will evolve and change swiftly; and, technological changes will make responses more difficult to keep pace with,” Modi said.
Modi emphasized that an atmosphere of peace and security was essential to enable India to achieve its goals of economic development and that his government has focused on creating a favourable external environment and on strengthening India`s security.
Outlining his strategic vision, he observed that in addition to the familiar challenges, India has to be prepared for a changing world, which demanded new thinking on our part with regard to economic, diplomatic and security policies.
He underlined that domination of cyber space will become increasingly important and control of space may become as critical as that of land, air and sea.
Feeling the need for transforming India’s defence forces, he assured them of his commitment to provide adequate resources to ensure full defence preparedness, overcome shortages and meet modernisation needs.
“We should remember that what matters is capability of the force,” he said. (Agencies)
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