Washington DC: Recognizing the importance of retired personnel of the Indian Armed Forces, the Indian Embassy here on Monday organized a ‘Senior Warriors’ event to honor veterans living in the US. Over 140 people, including some distinguished ex-servicemen and family members who have fought various wars, participated in the event here. India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, “Friends while performing your duty, you have selflessly served and sacrificed Mother India. You and your family members as part of the 4 million Indian community are playing a vital role in strengthening Indo-US ties in various fields.
Praising the ex-servicemen, he said, “No recognition and award can do justice to your contribution, today’s program is our small way of expressing our respect and gratitude towards you and also to tell you that we are here for you.” “It is a matter of pride and honor for me to be a part of this special gathering,” Sandhu said. He said that there are people here who have fought for India in the Kargil war in 1948, 1962, 1965 or 1971, 1985, 1999, and many other campaigns.
“Today’s Senior Warrior Program is our humble attempt to recognize the sacrifice and service of our ex-servicemen and honor them for their patriotism, dedication, patriotism, and willingness to make sacrifices,” the ambassador said. “We are committed to taking care of our senior servicemen in the same way as they have taken care of the security of our country,” he said. Sandhu said that Indian ex-servicemen, wherever they go, uphold the highest standards of duty, discipline, and professionalism for which the Indian Armed Forces are known.
“Our ex-servicemen in America continue to be the flag bearers of the traditions of our armed forces and continue to inspire the Indian community,” he said. He said the India-US strategic partnership is enriched by their wisdom, hard work, and high ethical values. In his address, Sandhu said that the defense partnership between the US and India has played an important role in expediting a number of agreements between the two countries, related to sharing of defense technology and cooperation in maritime security and ‘counter-piracy’. Huh. India has been designated by the US as a ‘major defense partner’ and it conducts more military exercises with the US than any other country.
Sandhu informed that at present, an Indian naval contingent, including a naval ship, is in Hawaii to participate in the RIMPAC naval exercise. He said that in the last decade, India has made defense acquisitions worth more than $ 20 billion from the US.
“Today, the Indian military is operating US defense platforms, including transport aircraft, helicopters, howitzers, ships, and much other light equipment, many of which are fully deployed for operational and humanitarian uses,” the Indian envoy said. Under “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, we are taking advantage of our comparative advantages and opportunities for defense industrial cooperation, he said, including providing assistance and medical supplies transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking forward to innovating, co-develop and co-produce for the world.
