Indian military is among best, not inferior: Antony

Defence Minister AK Antony today asserted in the Rajya Sabha that Indian armed forces are not inferior but among the best in the world having cooperation with major global powers.

Acknowledging the fact that the military is suffering from lack of men and machines, Antony said, “Even with limitations it is one of the best military in the world. There is nothing to feel inferior about.”

Unwilling to take the blame of military deficiencies completely on himself, the minister said, “I know there are limitations in the state-of-the-art equipment, in certain areas of ammunition and shortages of officers. This did not happen this year, last year or in the last five years. This is there since Independence.”

He said, “Effort is on to strengthen our armed forces by giving them the most modern platforms and also looking after their welfare.”

Accepting that the army has not got a gun for many years due to stalled deals because of alleged corruptions, the minister said, “The deal with Singapore Technologies was in the final stage. But it has to be dropped due to corrupt practice by that firm which was discovered later.”

Calling the practice of Army chiefs writing to prime ministers as routine, Antony said, “In the last few days, I am going through records. I have found out that from the time of first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s time, army chiefs are writing to the prime minister about the state of the army.”

Referring to India’s volatile neighbourhood, he said, “I know the gravity of the situation. We are living in a dangerous neighbourhood. After US leaves Afghanistan, no one knows about the fallout in Afghanistan, Pakistan and even in India.”

However, the minister assured the House that all suggestions made by members will be seriously considered.

“Give healthy suggestions that improves the functioning of the Ministry of Defence and strengthen our national security. Every suggestion from you, I shall take seriously. Every step will be taken to make Indian military very strong to meet any challenge from any corner.”