Changes in Afghanistan a challenge for India, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

The changing power equation in Afghanistan is a challenge for India prompting a rethink of strategy and the Quad initiative underscored it Defence Minister Rajnath Singh saidThe Defence Ministry is seriously considering the formation of Integrated Battle Groups IBGs as quick decisionmaking is a key aspect during wartime he said addressing the Defence Service and Staff College at nearby WellingtonThe changing equation in Afghanistan is a challenge for usThese situations have forced our country to rethink its strategy We are changing our strategy and the formation of Quad underlines this strategy he said Quad Quadrilateral security dialogue comprises India the US Japan and AustraliaThe Taliban insurgents stormed Afghanistan days ago capturing all major cities in a matter of days two weeks before the US was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a vexatious twodecade war and the Kabul airport attack has left dozens dead and many injured On IBGs the Minister said these groups would not only facilitate faster decisionmaking but also increase the number of integrated fighting unitsA reform initiative Tour of Duty was being considered by the government and it would be a gamechanging reform as it would help reduce the average age of the military and make it more agile Without naming Pakistan Singh said After losing two wars one of our neighbouring countries has started resorting to proxy war and terrorism has become an integral part of its state policyIf the ceasefire between India and Pakistan succeeds today it is because of our strength The crossborder attacks in 2016 changed our reactionary mindset to a proactive mindset which was declared in 2019 It was further strengthened by the Balakot airstrike he addedOn the IndiaChina border standoff the Defence Minister lauded the Army for behaving intelligently and the security forces once again proved that the nation is committed to face any enemy at any time and in any situation to ensure national security regardless of the cost A unilateral attempt was made last year to change the status quo on the border There too we faced our adversary with a new dynamism Singh saidAlso Read India mulling alternative ways to rescue people after Kabul blasts SourcesChanges in spheres like the military power trade communication economy and political equation could be clearly seen In this era of globalisation no nation could be left untouched by these changes happening around the world he saidIn such a situation keeping the nations security preparedness in proportion to these changes or a step ahead of them is the need Ever since our country became independent it has been the endeavour of enemy forces to create an atmosphere of instability within the country through one or the other means Taking the history of the last 75 years it seems that we have inherited the challenges he addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever