Maintaining peace, full integration of J&K crucial for India: Army vice chief

New Delhi: Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani, Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, has said that resolving the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, maintaining peace and ensuring its full integration is crucial for India’s progress towards becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
Speaking on national security at the Lit Fest, Lt Gen Subramani said there is a need for social and communal harmony within the country, referring to the significance of addressing issues in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas.
He said that by 2047, India should aim for a situation where these internal problems are fully resolved to ensure that the entire nation remains unified, with a focus on resolving the status of Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast regions.
On J&K, Lt General Subramani acknowledged the progress made since the abrogation of Article 370, saying the region has witnessed more than 60% voter turnout in recent assembly elections, which according to him signalled political stabilisation.
Despite security challenges, including minor militancy related incidents, he said the security forces, including the Army and Central Armed Police Forces, in coordination with the local administration, have managed to control the situation in the region.
Lt General said the importance of maintaining peace and integrating J&K fully with the rest of the country cannot be overstated. He added that the relations with Pakistan remain sensitive, especially in light of the unsettled nature of the border.
“There is a need to enhance India’s defence preparedness to address potential security challenges, particularly in the context of Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border militancy . Ensuring the security of borders, especially in regions like J&K, remains a top priority for India’s defence strategy,” he added.
Lt General Subramani said the situation on the northern border with China is tense but stable. “Despite the current stability, India must remain vigilant due to the unresolved border issues with China. The strategic importance of managing relations with China is critical, as it has attempted to increase its influence in neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, and others in the region,” he added.
“By 2047, India will not only improve its domestic defence production but also become a key exporter of defence technology, including arms and weapons, to other nations. This will be part of India’s broader strategy to enhance its global defence standing while contributing to the economic growth of the country,” he added