Asserting that the nation's security and strategic interests will not be compromised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday said the clearing of pending defence projects by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley was a spirit aimed in that direction which would eventually plug loopholes that had earlier existed in the system.
"Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modiji's government assumed office, regular and fast decisions are being taken in all important sectors, this includes the defence sector, where our Defence Minister Arun Jaitleyji is streamlining the process, taking decisions so that whatever are the shortcomings they are overcome," BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli told ANI here.
"And one thing is certain, under Prime Minister Modi's government India's security and strategic interest will not be compromised," he added.
Giving a major boost to India's defence preparedness, the Centre on Saturday cleared defence projects amounting to Rs. 80,000 crore.
The projects were approved during the meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Jaitley.
Among the decision taken by the DAC yesterday, the list includes building six submarines indigenously at a cost of about Rs. 50,000 crore. It also decided to purchase 8,356 Israeli anti-tank guided missiles at a cost of Rs. 3,200 crore for the Indian Army.
Reports also indicate that the DAC finalised the purchase of 12 upgraded Dornier surveillance aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a cost of Rs. 1,850 crore.
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The DAC also decided to buy 362 infantry fighting vehicle at a cost of Rs. 662 crore.
The decision to manufacture the submarines in the country is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' pitch.