Ensure adversary does not exploit current situation: Rajnath to Armed Forces

New Delhi, Apr 24 : Appreciating the armed forces for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asked them to ensure their operational preparedness so that the adversary does not exploit the current situation.
While reviewing the operational preparedness as well as measures to fight COVID-19 with all the Commanders in Chief through a video conference, Mr Singh directed the forces to initiate measures to spend the financial resources, avoiding wastage in view of the economic burden imposed by the lockdown.
Stressing on the requirement of jointness of the Armed Forces, the Minister asked the Commanders in Chief to identify and prioritise tasks that could be accomplished quickly and assist in revival of the economy after the lockdown is lifted, the defence ministry said in a statement.
During the conference, the Commanders in Chief apprised him of various measures put in place by them to prevent virus infection among the forces and assistance extended to the local civilian administration.
These include issue of SoPs on COVID-19, introduction of appropriate modifications in protocols and drills as per the advisories issued by Ministry of Health and other agencies and taking care of the Ex-Servicemen and their families residing in their respective command areas.