Chennai, April 10 – Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of synergy and jointness among officers of the Indian defence forces on Friday.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 81st Staff Course of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, the Union Defence Secretary highlighted the institution's role in shaping future senior military leadership.
Rajesh Kumar Singh interacted with the student officers, including 44 foreign participants, and congratulated them on successfully completing the prestigious Staff Course, acknowledging their dedication and hard work.
The Union Defence Secretary praised the officers' contribution towards strengthening cooperation and fostering strong relationships between their respective countries and India, and wished them a successful future.
He highlighted DSSC's vital role in shaping the future senior leadership of the Defence Forces, commending the training conducted at the College, with appreciation for initiatives promoting synergy and jointness among defence officers.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Defence Attachés from several friendly countries.
Established in 1948, DSSC is a premier Tri-service training institution that provides professional education to selected mid-level officers of the Indian Defence Forces as well as from friendly countries.
The institution aims to enhance their capabilities for higher responsibilities.
Over the years, more than 2,000 international officers and 19,500 Indian officers have trained at DSSC, many of whom have gone on to hold key leadership positions in governments and militaries worldwide.
Last month, the Union Defence Secretary oversaw the signing of contracts, worth a total of Rs 858 crore, for the procurement of the Russian Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and a maintenance contract with Boeing for the depot-level inspection of the Indian Navy's P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.
The contract for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems, valued at Rs 445 crore, for the Indian Army, was signed with Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport.
These state-of-the-art missiles will enhance India's multi-layered air defence capabilities against aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
The contract for the Inspection (Depot Level) of P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft for the Indian Navy under the "Buy Indian" category with 100 per cent indigenous content, valued at Rs 413 crore, was signed with Boeing India Defense Private Limited, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Boeing, in the presence of senior officials of the Ministry of Defence.