Tawang: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday, conveyed his heartfelt Vijayadashami wishes to the valiant troops while visiting the Bum La region on the India-China border in Arunachal. He commended the relentless dedication of the soldiers who stand guard in harsh sub-zero conditions, stationed at a staggering altitude of 15,000 feet above sea level.

"I was eager to witness the challenging conditions in which our soldiers safeguard India's frontiers," Rajnath Singh articulated to the troops. The Bum La Pass serves as the pivotal boundary demarcation between China's Tsona County in Tibet and India's Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh.

He made mention of Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande, who accompanied him during this two-day visit, apprising him of the troops' predicaments. "However, I yearned to observe it firsthand," he added, noting the inhospitable atmosphere at such an elevated altitude.

The Defence Minister hailed the troops for their unwavering commitment to defending India's borders in the face of sub-zero temperatures. "Even as the mercury drops into the negative, your dedication remains unwavering in safeguarding India's sovereignty."

Furthermore, Rajnath Singh paid his respects to the 1962 war hero, Subedar Joginder Singh, at his memorial in Bum La, Arunachal Pradesh.

During the day, Rajnath Singh, who had arrived in Tezpur for a two-day visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh the previous day, partook in a wreath-laying ceremony, interacted with the strategically vital Tawang sector's security personnel, performed Shashtra Puja, and engaged in special prayers.

Rajnath Singh emphatically asserted the necessity of bolstering the nation's security apparatus, underlining the government's commitment to enhancing India's military strength through indigenous production of defense equipment. "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, remarkable strides have been made toward 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in the defense sector. Previously, we heavily relied on imports to modernize our military, but today, a plethora of major weapons and platforms are being produced within the country. Foreign companies are encouraged to collaborate and produce equipment in India, fostering the domestic industry. In 2014, the value of defense exports stood at about Rs 1,000 crore, but today, we are exporting defense equipment worth billions," he asserted.

The Defence Minister also visited the 4 Corps Headquarters in Tezpur, Assam. During this visit, he conducted a comprehensive review of the formation's operational readiness, stationed in one of the easternmost corners of the nation. Rajnath Singh received a detailed briefing on the infrastructure enhancements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the deployment of cutting-edge military technology to enhance the operational effectiveness of troops at the forefront.

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