Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande today stressed that self-reliance is a strategic imperative for the future. He stressed on the importance for the country to be able to source the requirement for sustenance in terms of ammunition. He was speaking at a Summit organised by a private news channel. General Pande said adequate emphasis is being laid on developing own capabilities in the Defence sector.

Responding to a question, the Army Chief said India is prepared in every manner and levels of operational preparedness is of a very high order. He said India has its response mechanism firmly in place. On China, General Pande said India is focusing on capability development along its northern borders as well as infrastructure development. He said India is maintaining a close watch on developments across the border.