Jointness of armed forces must for victory: President

Victory in war can be achieved by through jointness of the three armed forces as was evident during the 1971 India-Pakistan war which led to liberation of Bangladesh, said President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday.

In his address at the convocation ceremony of the 71st Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College here, he said: "The training curriculum at this college is institutionalised, to empower jointness amongst our armed forces. The army, navy and air force are the military instruments of state power."

"The history of warfare bears testimony, that ultimate victory in war will be achieved through jointness among the three services. The foremost example of excellent synergy and jointmanship exhibited in military history was during the 1971 War," he said, terming it an unprecedented "strategic military victory" by any armed forces in the world, with it culminating with the birth of a nation, on termination of the war.

Mukherjee urged to students to use their learning with maturity and prudence to effectively leverage the combat power of the Indian armed forces in times of national need.

"As your supreme commander, I implore you to do this with total loyalty, distinction, steadfastness and patriotic fervour," he said.

He also urged the students to remain well informed in the latest military technological advancements and also scientific developments for their application in defence forces.

"You should always remain well informed with the latest in military technology advancements, as well as aware of scientific developments, for their appropriate application in the armed forces.

"Study the numerous perceptions of various conflicts that have been chronicled and conscientiously study the evolution of potential flashpoints and their evaluated outcomes. It is only when you seek knowledge, that you gain wisdom in life, to take coherent and timely military decisions, which directly affects the lives of the forces under your command," he advised.

Expressing his delight at 35 officers from 25 friendly foreign countries also graduating from the college on Friday, Mukherjee hoped the deep bonds of friendship and camaraderie that they had forged amongst others will result in everlasting ties of brotherhood between the nations.

He also complimented the students' parents and family members for supporting them in their endeavour and the commandant and his staff of the college for mentoring and nurturing them in command and staff functions to produce 'role model' staff officers and leaders.