President Pranab Mukherjee said yesterday that India’s security challenges go beyond the conventional borders and conventional threats.
He also said that the 21st century was witnessing chaos and asymmetric warfare involving both state and non-state actors.
Speaking at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) after reviewing the passing out parade of the summer term here, Mukherjee said: “Our security challenges in fact go much beyond conventional borders and conventional threats in the international arena,”
These include “a sizeable diaspora to protect in unstable regions in the world, energy security issues and protection of maritime sea lanes”, he said.
The President said time and again the country had to turn to its armed forces during times of internal crisis, both man-made and natural.
“All these challenges demand a capable and responsive armed forces to ensure stability and peace, so vital for our country on its path of peace and prosperity for all its citizens,” he added.
Mukherjee stressed that more than ever, India requires young men and women to take up the challenge of navigation through troubled waters and work tirelessly even at the risk of their lives for the country.
“The Indian Army represents the Instrument of Last Resort. Always remember that the acme of a great and powerful army does not lie in the power it can unleash but the manner and dexterity with which it does so,” Mukherjee said.
He also said more than 1bn hopes were pinned on the shoulders of young and brave shoulders when they battle odds that seem insurmountable.
Mukherjee expressed happiness to see Officer Cadets from friendly countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Lesotho at the function.


GST Council to be set up soon


President Pranab Mukherjee said yesterday he hopes the central government would set up the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council to fix the tax rate while praising former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan for taking steps to solve the situation in the banking sector.
Speaking at the centenary celebrations of Karur Vysya Bank Ltd, Mukherjee said the GST Bill has been passed and it has been ratified by 20 states qualifying for Presidential assent.
Hoping the Union Finance Ministry will take appropriate steps to set up the GST Council to fix the tax rate, he pointed out that it is GST Council’s responsibility to have one uniform rate of GST tax to be introduced all over India.
It will not only be one uniform rate of taxes, but it will also be single point taxation and not multi-point taxation and therefore the cascading effect of that will not be very serious, Mukherjee said.