This refers to the report "Defence panel clears projects worth Rs 80k cr" (October 26). India needs to be self-sufficient in arms and ammunition. Currently, India is faced with multiple threats from nations such as Pakistan and China. Bangladeshi militants are also eyeing the country. If black money is brought back to India, it should be used to improve our defence equipment and develop infrastructure. The ruling government should not use it to strengthen its vote bank.
India is always advocating for peace, so if our defence capability is enhanced, it should be used to neutralise external threats. It is unfortunate that in the last 10 years no significant allocation was made to strengthen our defence capability. India should have learned a lesson after the 1962 China debacle. Unfortunately, self-serving politicians siphoned off large sums of money. Even if half the money swindled by politicians had been channelled for investing in defence equipment purchases, India's position would have been stronger.
K V Seetharamaiah Hassan
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