New Delhi: Army today sought enhanced participation by private sector in defence production to help the process of modernisation required to meet the "complex, diverse and evolving" security challenges faced by the country.

Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor said as his force remains committed to tackle insurgency, it has to be prepared for wars which are likely to be short and intense characterised by increased lethality in the nuclear backdrop. "The nation today is faced with complex, diverse and evolving security challenges and Indian army continues to play a pivotal role in securing peace and stability," he said addressing a conference here.

"The current situation of continuous commitment of Indian army in Counter Insurgency situation both in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East is also a reality. Hence, he said, there was a pragmatic need to find a balance to thwart the twin threats of the conventional war with a nuclear backdrop and the Counter Insurgency situation.

Appreciating the role of private sector in defence production, he said cooperation among the industry, defence public sector undertakings and the defence establishment should be enhanced. "We do appreciate the need for Industry and military partnership in the defence sector," he said. Kapoor said the private sector could play a very important role in design and development of indigenous equipment for the military.

Source : PTI