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Manmohan lauds DRDO for enhancing defence preparedness

— Photo: S. Subramanium

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh receives a copy of the book, IGMDP, from Defence Minister A.K. Antony at DRDO’s awards function in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday complimented the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on enhancing the country’s defence preparedness, but advised it to ensure timely delivery of equipment and coordinate more intensively with the armed forces.

Speaking at a DRDO awards function, Dr. Singh took note of the “extraordinary range” of infrastructure and technologies produced by the organisation. He said the country was “truly proud” of its achievements. His acknowledgement of DRDO’s role came against the backdrop of severe criticism of its functioning by a Parliamentary committee and the setting up of a committee to take stock of its functioning.

Observing that India’s foreign policy rested on the principles of peaceful co-existence and friendship with all, he said it was also important for India to be fully equipped to effectively respond to any external threat. In order to maximise the emerging capabilities, DRDO, the armed forces and the industry must work together closely. Although the development of high technologies was a complex and time-consuming process, DRDO must make all efforts to ensure timely deliveries of technologies and equipment.

Dr. Singh approvingly noted DRDO’s plans to focus on several state-of-the-art technologies such as hypersonic propulsion, unmanned vehicles, robotics, stealth, micro and nano technologies.

He congratulated the scientists responsible on last week’s successful launch of Agni III missile and felt the successful demonstrations of anti-ballistic and long-range missile capabilities indicated India’s growing technological strength. The development of BrahMos with Russia was a “shining example” of international collaboration in defence technology.

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