Advani meets leading security experts and analysts

NEW DELHI: Lack of modernisation
of armed forces due to non-procurement of equipment,
need for proactive diplomacy to counter Pakistan and
lacunae in intelligence gathering were some of the major
issues discussed in the meeting between senior BJP leader
L K Advani and leading security experts and analysts
yesterday.

“Many participants expressed serious concern at
equipment deficiencies in the armed forces and the long
and tardy procedures followed for procurement of equipment
and stores,” BJP General Secretary Arun Jaitley
told reporters.

The experts felt that controversies raised in recent
years had further compounded the problem. It was suggested
that a procurement set-up should be devised “which
is immune from political pressures and take decisions
based on holistic considerations”.

Yesterday’s meeting was the third of such kind that
Advani is holding with experts from different fields.
The earlier meetings were with captains of industry
and farmers’ leaders.

The meeting was attended by top retired defence personnel
like Air Chief Marshal A Y Tipnis, Air Chief Marshal
Krishnaswami, Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi, Admiral Arun
Prakash, Lt Gen J F R Jacob, Air Marshal D C Dhyani,
former IB director Ajit Doval, former Punjab DGP K P
S Gill, former RAW Chief C D Sahay and defence expert
Brahma Chellani.

It was also suggested in the meeting that a “one-command
structure” should be installed for quick reaction
against attacks like 26/11 before the Crisis Management
Group takes over.

Responses