Intelligence reports warn of imminent attacks: PM

He referred to last year’s Mumbai attacks and the terror strike at the Indian Embassy in Kabul earlier this month,which he said was “yet another grim reminder of the forces” that India is pitted against.

“There are both state and non-state actors involved in the business of terrorism. India is a democracy and an open society and is,therefore,sometimes highly vulnerable,” Singh said.

He pointed out that there has been no major terrorist attack in India since the ‘horrific’ Mumbai attacks but said “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”.

Referring to the Mumbai attacks whose first anniversary would be observed next month,Singh said the incident had confirmed “our worst fears about the lethal dimensions of terrorism and non-traditional threats to our security”.

He said the government had taken several steps to strengthen the intelligence and security machinery and coordination between the Centre and the states.

“We have to improve our defensive mechanisms against all forms of terrorism,asymmetric warfare and aggravated militancy. We need to be prepared to face onslaughts of this kind,but we should avoid kneejerk reactions,” Singh said at the Combined Commanders’ Conference which discussed the security situation in the country and in the immediate neighbourhood.

Observing that Armed Forces must be fully equipped to deal with all threat scenarios,he said “our the troops should be trained to fight anywhere,anytime and under any conditions. Their ability to deal with non-traditional threats must receive greater attention.”

He said the government is 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 all the three services,” he said.

While talking about the progress made towards co-ordination and synergy in various operational,training and administrative aspects between the defence services,Singh said there are a number of areas of congruence that need to be strengthened further.

He also assured the armed forces that the government would ensure their modernisation and pay attention to upgrading of their skills and technology.

“Availability of critical technologies from foreign countries is still subject to various technology denial regimes. It is,therefore,vital that we achieve maximum self-reliance in the critical areas of defence technology,” he said.

Singh said the Indian industry is in a position to participate in defence production and research and development activities and stressed the need for devising policies to harness “this vast pool” of knowledge and resources efficiency.

Noting that the procedures for defence acquisitions and procurement are a matter of concern to the armed forces,Singh said “This is an area which requires collective action on all sides.”

He said emphasised the need for ensuring “a balance between the needs of timely modernisation and the necessity of conforming to the highest standards of transparency,probity and public accountability.”

Pointing out that outlays on defence expenditure have progressively gone up,he said these have to be used judiciously and efficiently.