New Delhi; 2 March, 2023: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed 63rd Course Members of National Defence College, (NDC), New Delhi, in Parliament Complex, today. Emphasizing that national security has always been top priority for India, Shri Birla observed that the defense sector has played a major role in this. India today is making a significant contribution to global progress, development, prosperity, peace and stability, added Shri Birla. At a time when the national security scenario is becoming complex, cross border terrorism has become a global challenge. He emphasized that modernization of defence capabilities is need to tackle challenges like cyber warfare, drugs, weapons, money-laundering through innovation.

At the outset, Shri Birla welcomed Members of National Defence College to Parliament Complex and hoped that their visit to the temple of democracy would acquaint them better with the practices and procedures in legislatures.

Shri Birla noted that India has a long history of warfare and its study which is testimony to the fact that we have a rich and enduring heritage of military strategy. Mentioning Chanakya, Shri Birla noted that the principles of warfare, diplomacy and future strategy, etc. taught by him, remain the hallmark of diplomatic relations even today.

Mentioning about recent developments in India's defence sector, Shri Birla said that in order to create a strong army for a strong India, we have laid a strong military foundation during the last few years by taking initiatives towards making our defense sector self reliant. From building Defense Industrial Corridors to creating supply chains for manufacturing ecosystem, from reducing import dependence to increasing defense exports, from higher budgetary allocation to promoting indigenous manufacturing through 'Make in India' India has made rapid progress at every level, noted Shri Birla.

Appreciating the new policy of infusing young talent in defence sector, Shri Birla said that such measures would further strengthen our military capability. Expressing happiness that more and more girls are joining defence forces, Shri Birla said that it reflects their commitment and dedication to the nation.

SHRI BIRLA APPRECIATES THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE

Speaking on Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, Shri Birla noted that the Committee acts as an important link between the elected representatives and the defense forces. As a parliamentary watchdog, the Committee has been working on various important topics such as assessment of preparedness of the armed forces for hybrid warfare including strategic, cyber threats and anti drone capabilities of the defense forces, important research initiatives, assessment of domestic production of defense equipment, modernization of defense forces, etc.