Letters: A stitch in time

With reference to the editorial "Failures in defence" (July 28), the latest report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on defence equipments speaks volumes about the scant respect being shown by the government agencies/departments to the security concerns of the nation. Needless to say any delay in the acquisition of vital defence equipment and timely execution of the related projects can wreak havoc with national security should an emergency arise.

The editorial justifiably highlights several key issues pertaining to strengthening of our forces where prompt action was required but was delayed for one reason or another. Mind you, the matter pertaining to the placing of final orders with vendors for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft is unresolved despite the lapse of around four years since these were officially chosen by the government after thorough scrutiny.

It is ironical to learn that our armed forces have also failed to maintain defence equipment properly. This must be viewed seriously. While there may be many ifs and buts in most defence deals across the world, it is imperative for us to learn to live with the times. As an old saying puts it, "a stitch in time saves nine".

Kumar Gupt Panchkula

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