Indian Air Force Has a Critical Role to Play to Safeguard Our Territorial Integrity, Says President

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the Colours to Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) and 3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) at a function at Chandigarh today (March 15, 2013).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said as our country moves ahead on the path of economic progress, it is essential to preserve peace for which we need to maintain an effective deterrence and a strong defence capability. As a nation, we are fully committed to maintaining peace and we are steadfast in our belief that the resolution of disputes should be through discussion. But at the same time, we would need to be prepared to face any aggression and safeguard our territorial integrity with all our might, and the Indian Air Force has a critical role to play in this effort. They have in the past risen admirably in defence of our nation with valour, courage, devotion and fearlessness.