Yogi Adityanath Highlights the Role of Armed Forces in National Security

Lucknow, September 3 , 2024 – During a ceremony honoring the Armed Forces, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated, “The Indian Armed Forces are unmatched on a global scale. Even our adversaries recognize the strength, discipline, and technical expertise of our military.”He highlighted the armed forces’ ability to address internal challenges as well, noting that the grand event reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for an Integrated Command, where seamless coordination among the Army, Air Force, and Navy leads to swift victories against threats.”The Armed Forces are not just a defense mechanism; they form the cornerstone of our nation’s security. We must always remember this. Our courageous soldiers are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the country, earning their status as national heroes in the hearts of the people. We take immense pride in having such a capable and devoted military, ready to defend the nation under any circumstances,” CM Yogi remarked.He emphasized that the vigilance of India’s brave soldiers has fortified the nation’s borders with unwavering resolve, successfully thwarting significant threats even in adverse conditions.”The courage and valor of our soldiers instill confidence in 1.4 billion Indians. Uttar Pradesh is privileged to be the land of heroes, with its youth playing pivotal roles in every war fought for national security,” he added.

CM Yogi reiterated the state government’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of both active and retired soldiers, as well as the families of fallen heroes.”The government provides an ex-gratia payment of ₹50 lakh to the families of soldiers who lay down their lives for the nation, offers government jobs to a family member in Uttar Pradesh, and honors their legacy by naming institutions and establishing memorials in their memory,” the Chief Minister noted.Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has made significant progress toward self-reliance in defense production over the past decade, CM Yogi asserted.He mentioned that during the Investors Summit in Lucknow in February 2018, the Prime Minister announced the creation of two defense manufacturing corridors in the country. One of these corridors is being developed across six nodes in Uttar Pradesh, with the state government collaborating closely with the Ministry of Defense on these projects.”The establishment of two key projects by DRDO BrahMos in Lucknow and Bharat Dynamics Limited in the Jhansi node of the Defense Industrial Corridor is advancing swiftly. These initiatives will enhance our military capabilities and strengthen national security by developing cutting-edge equipment and technology on Indian soil, further empowering our defense services. Uttar Pradesh will continue to play a leading role in these national defense initiatives,” he emphasized.He also highlighted that the Defense Corridor will create substantial employment opportunities for the youth of the state. The successful hosting of the Defense Expo in Lucknow in February 2020 was crucial for attracting investment.Uttar Pradesh is already home to defense-related entities such as HAL, Ordnance Factories, and Bharat Electronics Limited, and the state government is committed to their expansion.In closing, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt wishes to all three branches of the Armed Forces for their ongoing service, stating that the Armed Forces Ceremony will inspire society and the younger generation, helping the public understand the strength of our military and the essential role our soldiers play in securing the nation.