By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Jindal Steel and Power Limited Chairman and former Kurukhetra Lok Sabha MP, Naveen Jindal on Thursday expressed his happiness after meeting India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Naravane at the sidelines of India Economic Conclave, in which, JSPL Chairman, also shared his views. “It was a pleasure to meet COAS General MM Naravane at the #IndiaEconomicConclave. It was very reassuring to hear him speak about our nation’s safety and security in the able hands of the men and women in uniform. Jai Hind,” JSPL Chairman Naveen Jindal said.
In his address ,the JSPL Chairman said steel consumption in India is currently at 75 kgs per person per annum against the world average of 200 kgs. “We feel this will improve from 75 to 160 in the next ten years so good future for steel industry in India. Similarly for power, per capita consumption in India is 15 times lesser than in Europe and the US. Steel and power form the background of infrastructure in the country which needs a major boost,” he added.
In his opening address on ‘Evolving Security Scenario For India’, General M M Naravane (Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army) said spending on defence should not be seen as sunk costs but a long-term investment. He said recently Army signed a contract with Mahindra Defence to supply 1,300 Light Special Vehicles to the Indian Army for over Rs 1,000 crore. The Army also signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics to supply anti-tank guided missiles. All of this money gets ploughed back into the economy and generates employment, innovation and widespread business activity.
Even when an army unit is stationed in an area it greatly contributes to the local economy. For every 1000 people Rs 50 lakh per month are invested locally, he said.General Naravane further added that the national security should not be seen from a myopic viewpoint but as a long-term investment in the economy.
Speaking on the security scenario on India’s eastern and western frontiers, General MM Naravane said after the ninth round of talks we were able to reach an agreement and the disengagement along borders in Eastern Ladakh proceeded in a phased manner.
He said a ceasefire agreement was also reached with Pakistan and not even a single shot was fired along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, barring one incident. This has been unprecedented in the last 5-6 years —this in its own way will contribute to growth and mutual trust.
