Arunachal Guv stresses boosting military ‘Aatmanirbharta’ through govt’s indigenous initiatives
In New Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) kicked off the third Bharat Defence Conclave with a keynote speech on Thursday. He delved into how warfare is evolving, spotlighting revolutionary technologies, cognitive advancements, and the push for military self-reliance through India’s homegrown initiatives.
Parnaik echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047—Viksit Bharat @2047. This plan focuses on economic growth, self-reliance or Aatmanirbharta, defense reforms, tech innovation, and stronger national security. Drawing from his days as an Army Commander, he shared real insights on military reforms, border challenges, and tying security to overall national progress.
He pointed out key efforts boosting border security, like building fences along borders, the Bharatmala Pariyojana highway project, ending the Free Movement Regime on the India-Myanmar border, Sagarmala Pariyojana for maritime watch, and the Border Area Development Programme.
At the conclave’s opening session, Parnaik noted how countries team up through treaties and alliances to protect their interests and build deterrence against conflicts. India’s foreign policy has shifted from non-alignment to multi-alignment, picking partners based purely on what benefits the nation.
Wars still happen, he warned, fueled by clashing ideologies, fights over resources, or power grabs. But the game-changer? Warfare itself is transforming fast, thanks to cutting-edge and disruptive technologies that reshape geopolitics and tactics for future battles.
Parnaik gave special shout-out to the Vibrant Villages Programme, a government scheme revamping northern border areas in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. It ramps up infrastructure, schools, healthcare, connectivity, and homes in these sensitive spots. Even better, it’s flipping the script on migration—people are staying put. “These communities become the eyes and ears for security forces, spotting anything unusual,” he said.
He highlighted the teamwork between local admins and the armed forces along borders. Villagers, farmers, and business folks supply fresh food and services to troops, while the military guides young people toward jobs in Sainik Schools, the forces, and paramilitary units. They also promote sports, run medical and vet camps, and back community projects.
Looking back on leading the massive Northern Command—the world’s largest—Parnaik praised the Indian Armed Forces as top-notch professionals. They’ve tackled terrorism, insurgencies, and extremism head-on, stepped up as first responders in disasters, and shone in UN peacekeeping missions. “They’re key pillars in building our nation,” he declared.
The event drew big names too, including the Netherlands’ Ambassador to India, Marisa Gerards; Belgium’s Ambassador, Didier Vanderhasselt; A. Anbarasu, Director General of Acquisition at the Ministry of Defence; Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary of Defence Production; and Rajendra Kumar, Secretary for Border Management at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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