Development and security agencies should work together: Panagariya

Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog Arvind Panagariya on Thursday said that the development and security agencies should work together in the regions affected by Left-Wing Extremism.

"The development and security agencies in Left-Wing Extremism affected regions must work together. If roads are to be constructed to improve connectivity, the paths of those building roads must be secured," Arvind Panagariya said while delivering the 51st Foundation Day address at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) on National Security and Development.

Speaking on how development impacts the security of a nation, he said, "At the most elementary level development makes a nation stronger. A rich economy also has a large volume of resources to devote to security which may have a further deterrence effect."

"Prosperity also gives stakes to all citizens in maintaining the status quo, peace and order. Any disruption can result in large decline in economic activity and leave everyone worse off."

Minister of Defence and President of the IDSA Manohar Parrikar, in his written message, said, "In today's fast moving world, the importance of a think tank like IDSA is significant. The multiple crises that are emerging in our region and beyond reinforce the need for us to remain alert, study the emerging trends, and come up with relevant analyses and action points."

"The growing economic and political uncertainties in our region and the world reinforce the need for studying the changes taking place at home and abroad," he added.

Parrikar, who was supposed to chair the event, sent a written message which was read out at the event.

IDSA is India's leading think tank in the area of defence studies. It was established on November 11, 1965 and is funded by the Ministry of Defence.

--IANS

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