Army commanders conference begins, focus on China, Pak

Top Army commanders today commenced deliberations on key challenges facing the nation, particularly along the borders with China and Pakistan.

During the six-day conference, chaired by Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, issues such as infrastructure development for capacity enhancement along the northern borders, review of strategic railway lines, optimisation of limited budget to ensure making up of critical deficiency in ammunition will be discussed, according to a Defence Ministry statement.

Issues related to Border Road Organisation projects and matters relevant to operations, administration and welfare of troops will also be discussed for planning and execution.

During the conference, Subhash Bhamre, minister of state in the defence ministry, stressed on the need to be prepared for the highly dynamic internal and external security challenges.

Bhamre emphasised that the government was fully seized of the requirements of the Army for capability development, force modernisation and development of its infrastructure.

"He reiterated the need to optimise the fiscal resources through synergised capacity building within the three services through enhanced indigenisation and self reliance," the statement stated.

In his opening remarks, Gen Rawat stressed on the need to work in a collaborative manner for retaining and enhancing the current levels of combat effectiveness.

He gave emphasis to laying down judicious priorities to ensure that the allocated resources are utilised optimally and the force modernisation is carried out unabated.