Avoid delays in devoloping weapons: PM tells DRDO

New Delhi, July 7: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today urged the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to avoid delays in the development of weapon systems and work jointly with the Indian industry and the armed forces to modernise the country's defence capabilities, 'vital for the national interests in an uncertain international security environment.'

''Causing delays at the stage of production mean that our armed forces are deprived of timely deliveries, which often compel the Government to look for external procurement to fill emerging gaps in our inventories,'' Dr Singh said while stressing that India did not wish to engage in an arms race with anyone.

''As a prossessor of advanced technologies, we will continue to maintain the highest standards of non-proliferation controls,'' he said after presenting awards to DRDO scientists.

Pointing out India stood for fostering an external and internal environment of peace and security, the Prime Minister said unequal power relations, however, prompted it to create adequate defence preparedness to manage any potential challenge to the national security.

''As India's integration with the global economy proceeds ahead, new opportunities as well as new challenges will arise on the horizon.'' He asked the defence industry to acquire the efficiency and agility to respond to the new environment so that the best weapon systems were available to the armed forces in a timely fashion.

''Our country looks to the DRDO to fulfill this vital national goal'' with the use of science and technology,'' he said and pledged Government's support to the DRDO to adapt to the rapidly changing global scenario.

Dr Singh also highlighted the significant developments of the DRDO in the past one year such as the successful launch of Agni-III and BrohMos cruise missile, and the first test flight of light combat aircraft Tejas.

He said the production of Arjun tank was in progress.

UNI