New Delhi, October 20
In an obvious reference to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the overall security situation in India’s immediate neighbourhood has worsened and called for improving the country’s defence mechanisms against all forms of terrorism, asymmetric warfare and aggravated militancy.

Addressing the Combined Commanders’ Conference here, he said the 26/11 attack had confirmed New Delhi’s worst fears about the lethal dimensions of terrorism and non-traditional threats to the country’s security.

Manmohanspeak n Govt committed to modernisation of armed forces n India to oppose biased approach towards N-disarmament n Ready to negotiate non-discriminatory treaties like the FMCT n Attempts to impose emission cuts can hit growth

“Although there has been no major terrorist attack in India since then, there are regular intelligence reports of imminent attacks in the country. This is a matter of deep concern, and there is no room for complacency,” he said in the backdrop of reports that Pakistan-based terrorist groups were planning fresh attacks in India.

Noting that there were both state and non-state actors involved in the terror business, the PM pointed out that since India was a democracy and an open society, it was sometimes highly vulnerable. The country has to be prepared to face the challenge posed by terrorism but it must also avoid knee-jerk reactions.

Singh also informed the top brass of the defence forces that the government has taken several steps to strengthen the intelligence and security machinery and coordination between the Centre and the states. But he also cautioned them of the forces the country was pitted against by referring to the suicide bomb attack outside the Indian Embassy in Kabul on October 8.

On nuclear disarmament, he recalled that India was a pioneer in the campaign for a world free of nuclear weapons but made it clear once again that it would oppose discriminatory standards. “As a responsible nuclear weapon state, we wish to see a nuclear disarmament that that is global, non-discriminatory and universal in nature. We are ready to negotiate a fissile material cut off (FMCT) treaty which is multilateral, non-discriminatory and verifiable.” ’

Talking about the armed forces, the PM said they must be fully equipped to deal with all threat scenarios. The troops should be trained to fight anywhere, any time and under any conditions. Their ability to deal with non-traditional threats must receive greater attention.

The government, he said, was fully committed to the modernisation of armed forces and ensuring their military superiority and technological edge. The modernisation plan should have a long-term perspective and be formulated in an integrated manner involving the three services. Despite the progress that has been made towards synergy in various operational, training and administrative aspects between the services, there were a number of areas of congruence that needed to be further strengthened.

Noting that the procedures for defence acquisitions and procurement were a matter of concern for the armed forces, he underlined that this was an area which required collective action on all sides. “We must ensure a balance between the needs of timely

modernisation and the necessity of conforming to the highest standards of transparency, probity and public accountability. Outlays on defence expenditure have progressively gone up, but they also have to be used judiciously and efficiently.” Stressing that manpower was the most important resource for fighting wars, he said the government would take all measures necessary to ensure that the armed forces continue to attract the brightest and the best of the country’s youth.

On climate change, he ridiculed concerted attempts by developed countries to impose new obligations on developing countries to limit emission of greenhouse gases. Such moves could affect the economic progress of the countries, he added.