India is firmly committed to peace and stability for which an effective deterrence and strong defence force is essential, President Pranab Mukherjee said here on Wednesday.
"While the nation is striving for all-round economic growth and social empowerment of its citizens, we remain equally focused on building our defence capability that safeguards our sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mukherjee said after presenting the President's Standard to 21 Squadron and 116 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force.
"India is firmly committed to peace and stability for which we need an effective deterrence and a strong defence force," he said.
"Thus, the confidence inspired by the armed forces, for the nation to progress resolutely on the path of development is really praiseworthy."
"The Indian Air Force has been fulfilling its role of protecting the Indian skies and safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation and has also provided aid to its citizens during natural calamities," the president added.
He also said that the resilience and tenacity displayed by the Air Warriors is "a great source of encouragement and a matter of pride for the nation".
The 21 Squadron known as "Ankush" was formed in Ambala in October 1965 with Gnat Mk-I aircraft.
