Ahead of the Independence Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday asserted that the country’s armed forces would give a befitting reply if any nation ever looked at India with ill intention.

”India has always been a peace-loving nation, but that does not mean that it would spare those who cast an evil eye. We not only seek peace but also express our commitment to peace through our actions. At the same time, we are also very clear that if anyone dares to look at us with ill intention or hostility, our forces will give a befitting reply,” he said during his message to soldiers through Akashvani on the eve of the 77th Independence Day.

The government was making all efforts to modernise the armed forces with state-of-the-art weaponry and the best training, to protect the country from all future challenges.

“The armed forces can give their best only when they are provided with the best equipment and training. These steps boost the morale of the soldiers, help them overcome challenges and emerge victorious. Our government is leaving no stone unturned to provide the military with world-class equipment and training, so that the country can overcome all future challenges. New branches and trades are being created according to the new emerging needs,” he said.

Rajnath said the armed forces were being trained with simulators and other modern techniques and their capabilities were being enhanced through several exercises with friendly countries across the globe, training on niche systems, newly developing technologies and changing concepts of warfare. Necessary steps were being taken to train a large number of personnel within the country as well as abroad, wherever the best training was available, he said.

Highlighting various welfare measures taken for the veterans in recent years, the defence minister said special attention was being paid to ensure a dignified life for the soldiers not only during service but even after retirement. “Taking care of those who care for us by risking their lives is our responsibility. The government has taken several measures in the last nine years to empower the soldiers after their retirement,” he said.

Rajnath pointed out that the long-pending demand of the armed forces for the One Rank One Pension scheme was fulfilled by the government as soon as it came to power in 2014. “The scheme has been revised this year and an amount of Rs 8,413 crore has been paid to more than 17 lakh pensioners,” he said.

On the growing role of women in the armed forces, he said several concrete steps have been taken to make the military an equitable and a better working place for women. “The Indian Army has inducted women officers into the Artillery Regiment for the first time this year. The commissioning of women officers in the Artillery Regiment is a great testimony to the steps being taken by our government towards gender equality in the Army,” he added.