New Delhi: Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, stressed that India has always placed a high premium on national security. He noted that the defence industry has contributed significantly to this.

Cross-border terrorism has turned into a major problem at a time when the situation relating to national security is becoming more complicated. He underlined the necessity for defence capability modernisation in order to overcome problems like money laundering, cyber warfare, and drug and weapon trafficking.

Birla welcomed the National Defence College members to the Parliament Complex and expressed his hope that their visit to the temple of democracy would help familiarise them with the processes and traditions of legislatures.

Birla observed that India has a long history of battle and that this study is evidence of our strong and enduring military strategy legacy. Mentioning Chanakya, he said, "The principles of warfare, diplomacy and future strategy  taught by him, remain the hallmark of diplomatic relations even today."

"India has made rapid progress at every level," he continued. "From building Defense Industrial Corridors to creating supply chains for the manufacturing ecosystem, from reducing import dependence to increasing defence exports, from higher budgetary allocation to promoting indigenous manufacturing through 'Make in India'.

Birla praised the new strategy for bringing in young talent for the defence industry, saying that such steps would further bolster our military power.

He also expressed delight that more and more girls are joining defence forces, and said that it reflects their commitment and dedication to the nation.

Birla acknowledged the importance of the parliamentary standing committee on defence and praised the Committee for serving as a crucial conduit between the government and the armed services.

As a parliamentary watchdog, the Committee has been working on a number of significant issues, he said, including the evaluation of the armed forces' readiness for hybrid warfare, including strategic, cyberthreats, and anti-drone capabilities, significant research initiatives, evaluation of domestic production of defence equipment, modernization of the armed forces, etc.

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