PM calls for integrated approach among Services

New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today called for evolving an integrated approach amongst the Services and also with other agencies for enhancing military capabilities and giving a cutting edge to the country's defence preparedness.

''Military capabilities have to enmesh the layers of strategic and long-term plans, doctrinal details, organisation and strutures and, finally, its adaptation,'' Dr Singh said, while addressing the Combined Commanders Conference here.

The Prime Minister said such an integrated approach would become possible only when there is an integrated approach, not only amongst the Services but also with other agencies.

''If required, changes need to be instituted to allow its practical implementation,'' he said.

Dr Singh also expressed the nation's gratitude to all those in the profession of arms for defending its borders and serving the people.

Earlier, addressing the conference, Defence Minister A K Antony said terrorism continued to be one of the major challenges facing the country, and urged the Armed Forces to upgrade their capabilities to counter the threat posed by terrorists in the world of fast-changing technology.

''As terrorists constantly modernise their communication network, there is an urgent need to continuously upgrade our own capabilities to successfully counter the threat posed by them,'' Mr Antony said in his address at the Combined Commanders Conference here.

''In this context, it must be said that the overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast has shown steady signs of improvement,'' he added.

He also stressed xxx Eds: here picking up from para four of DI 23.

UNI