Washington DC:
The Indian embassy in Washington recognized the importance of the veterans of the Indian armed forces and on Monday organized ‘Varishtha Yoddha’, an event honoring the ex-servicemen now living in the United States.
More than 140 people, including some prominent veterans who had fought in various wars and their families, attended the event here.
“Friends, you have served and sacrificed for Mother India, with the utmost devotion to duty and selflessness. You and your family members as part of the 4 million strong Indian community play an important role in strengthening ties between India and the US in a variety of sectors,” said Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s ambassador to the US.
“While no recognition and award can do justice to your contributions, today’s event in a small way expresses our respect and gratitude and tells you that we are here for you,” he told the veterans in admiration. “It is a matter of pride, privilege and honor for me to be a part of this special gathering.” There are people in this room who have fought for India in 1948, 1962, 1965 or 1971, 1985, the Kargil War in 1999 and many other operations, he said.
“Today’s Varishtha Yoddha event is our humble effort to recognize the sacrifice and service of our veterans and honor them for the patriotism, dedication and willingness to serve and sacrifice all for the nation.
“We remain committed to caring for our veterans in the same way they have ensured the security of our country,” he said.
Mr Sandhu said that wherever they go, Indian veterans meet the highest standards of duty, discipline and professionalism that the Indian armed forces are known for.
“Our veterans living in the US continue to be the standard bearers of the traditions of our armed forces and continue to inspire the Indian community,” he said.
The strategic partnership between India and the US has been enriched by their wisdom, hard work and high moral values, he added.
In his speech, Mr Sandhu said that the US-India defense partnership has played an important role in stepping up a variety of pacts between them, including those related to defense technology sharing and cooperation on maritime security and the combating piracy.
India has been designated a Major Defense Partner by the US and conducts more military exercises with the US than with any other country.
An Indian naval contingent, including a naval vessel, is currently in Hawaii to participate in the RIMPAC naval exercise, Sandhu told the veterans.
Over the past decade, he said, India has made defense-related acquisitions from the US worth more than $20 billion.
“Today, Indian Armed Forces operate U.S. defense platforms including transport aircraft, helicopters, howitzers, ships and a number of other light equipment, many of which have been fully deployed for operational and humanitarian use, including during the COVID pandemic to deliver aid and transportation. medical supplies,” the Indian envoy said.
“In line with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, we are moving forward by leveraging our comparative advantages and the opportunity for industrial cooperation in defense field, especially to innovate, co-develop and co-produce for India and the world,” he said. PTI LKJ VN VN