NEW DELHI (TIP): Defence minister Manohar Parrikar on June 23 directed the armed forces to carry out joint exercises with friendly foreign countries specially, in South East Asia, in tune with India‘s ‘Act East Policy’.

He also asked them to optimise resources and enhance cost effectiveness even as he exhorted them to exploit joint capabilities for predominant role in the volatile region around the country.

Parrikar reviewed key security issues facing the nation and important strategic, operational, administrative and logistics aspects pertaining to tri-services were also deliberated upon.

“To keep in tune with the India’s Act East Policy, Parrikar urged the Armed Forces for conduct of joint exercises involving more than one Service with our friendly foreign countries specially, in South East Asia,” a defence ministry statement said.

He stressed on the need for jointness of the three services to optimise resources and enhance cost effectiveness, so that maximum funds can be made available for modernisation of the armed forces, it said.

Parrikar while addressing the two-day Annual Unified Commanders’ Conference here, said by virtue of India’s dominant geographical location, the country is poised for a predominant role in the volatile region around us.

The minister said, hence, there is a requirement to exploit this advantage by developing joint capabilities.

In order to achieve self-reliance, he emphasised on ‘Make in India‘ initiative and indigenisation of defence production.

He commended the armed forces for their devotion to duty and the stellar role played by them in safeguarding the country’s unity and integrity. The minister also paid homage to all valiant soldiers, sailors and air warriors for their supreme sacrifice in honour of the nation.