'Changing equation in Afghanistan a challenge, India forced to rethink strategy'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the changing equation in Afghanistan is a challenge for India and these situations have forced the government to rethink its strategy.

Hyderabad:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said the latest developments in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover have forced the Union government to rethink its strategy. "The changing equation in Afghanistan is a challenge for us... These situations have forced our country to rethink its strategy. We are changing our strategy and the formation of QUAD underlines this strategy," Rajnath Singh said.

Singh, while addressing the faculty and students of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington in Tamil Nadu, said the Defence ministry is very seriously considering formation of 'Integrated Battle Groups'. "Quick decision-making is an important factor during wars. Integrated Battle Groups will not only facilitate faster decision-making but also increase the number of integrated fighting units. Under Integrated Battle Groups, extremely lethal, brigade-sized agile and self-reliant fighter formations will be made," Singh said.

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The defence minister also slammed Pakistan for resorting to proxy war against India by providing arms, funds and training to terrorists. "After losing two wars, one of our neighbouring countries has started resorting to proxy war, & terrorism has become an integral part of its state policy. It has started targeting India by providing arms, funds & training to terrorists. If a ceasefire (between India & Pakistan) is successful today, it is because of our strength. In 2016, cross-border strikes changed our reactionary mindset into a proactive mindset, which was further strengthened by the Balakot airstrike in 2019," he said.

"Similarly in the northern sector too, a unilateral attempt was made to change the status-quo on the border last year. There too, we faced our adversary with a new dynamism. During India-China border stand-off, when Chinese forces were trying to march ahead, I spoke to the Army chief around 11 pm... The situation was very critical. In that situation too, the way our forces behaved prudently is commendable," Singh said.

"Our security forces once again proved that we are committed to facing any enemy anytime and in any situation, to ensure our national security, regardless of the cost," he added.

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The minister said the belief that India would not only end terrorism on its own land but also not hesitate to conduct counter-terrorism operations on their land if needed, is gradually becoming stronger. "Despite challenges at our borders, the countrymen today are confident that there will be no comprise with India's national security," he said.

"It has been our effort that the youth adopt discipline, patriotism and other values of our armed forces. We need to find new avenues for armed forces to give more exposure to youths. For this, the ministry is seriously considering to introduce 'Tour of Duty' initiative. I believe it will be known as a game-changing reform in the future. This will help in reducing the average age of our army, and make them more agile," Singh said.