Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) the action taken by Government, so far, on Kargil Review Report;

(b) whether it is a fact that the Army is facing acute shortage of modern weapons;

(c) whether lack of political will is the main hurdle in the direction of modernization of Indian Army; and

(d) by when, Government would implement Kargil Review Report in the interest of the country and Army under this different situation?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) & (d): The Report of the Group of Ministers on National Security had six chapters. The Ministry of Defence had been nominated as the nodal Ministry for the Chapter VI, on ‘Management of Defence’. The Chapter contains 75 recommendations, of which 63 recommendations have been implemented. Action on the remaining 12 recommendations is at various stages of progress.

(b) The modernization of the Armed Forces is an on-going process, based on threat perception, operational challenges, technological changes and available resources. The procurement of weapons is carried out on a continuous basis, as per Acquisition Plans. Shortages may occur from time to time, for which remedial action is taken.

(c) No, Sir.

Miscellaneous

Defence Economics & Industry