Defence Minister AK Antony said peace cannot come at the cost of India’s security concerns and emphasised that all steps are being taken to modernise armed forces so that they are equipped with best weapon system and technologies.
Inaugurating the four-day Defexpo-2014, in which 624 domestic and international companies are taking part, Antony underlined India’s thrust on indigenisation of defence industry which, he said, offers new opportunities to the private sector.
“India always believes in peace….However peace cannot come at the cost of our security concerns. We are ever-prepared to meet any challenge posed to our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said.
Noting that India has been carrying out regular reviews of defence procure procedure to give a fillip to private sector, he said it needed to balance the competing requirement of expediting procurement, developing a robust base for indigenous defence sector and maintaining highest standards of transparency, probity and public accountability.
–PTI