Rajnath Singh exhorted defence scholars to come up with new ideas in research & policy making

There was a need to stay more alert and vigilant in view of the fast-changing global security scenario and invisible threats like the Covid-19 pandemic, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday.

He was speaking after unveiling a plaque at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi to rename the institute after former Defence Minister late Manohar Parrikar.

The renaming as Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) coincided with the 57th Foundation Day of the Institute that is celebrated on November 11 every year.

Singh termed MP-IDSA as an invaluable treasure which can provide a new direction to the defence and security of the country.

“All of you are studying from traditional warfare to non-contact and hybrid warfare & other concepts of war. But along with comprehensive national security comes high end technological capability, a population of a diverse skill set and national economic strength,” he said.

He exhorted the institute, especially the scholars, to come up with new ideas in the field of research & policy making and contribute towards building a strong and capable India.

Singh remembered late Manohar Parrikar who, during his time as Defence Minister, had focussed on promoting the work of the institute.

Parrikar had a deep understanding of matters related to defence and his insistence on indigenisation and efforts for politico-military synergy made him an invaluable asset, Defence Minister Singh pointed out.

"He was a thoughtful leader for our Armed Forces. His leadership in the 2016 counter-terrorist strikes following the Uri incident and the decision of 'One Rank One Pension' taken in the interest of the Armed forces will be long remembered,” the Defence Minister said.

The MP-IDSA had emerged as one of the best think-tanks in the field of defence, national security and international relations in the last almost six decades, Singh said.