New Delhi:To enhance the skills and capability building of their personnel, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara, in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on 9 September 2024. The MoU will enable the two Services to acquire higher expertise in logistics. It will ensure the development of in-house expertise on various facets of logistics operations and contribute effectively to national development plans, including the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh described the collaboration as a monumental partnership towards further strengthening the logistics backbone of the Armed Forces in line with the vision of 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence. He emphasised that logistics is no longer just a support function of the Armed Forces but is emerging as a key factor in military operations and national security. "An efficient logistics system plays a crucial role in quickly mobilising the forces and delivering resources to the right place in less time. Keeping in mind the conditions in which our forces operate, we need a seamless movement of troops, equipment, and supplies. The MoU will prove to be vital in fulfilling the needs of our forces through knowledge, innovation, and collaboration," he said.

Rajnath Singh asserted that the MoU will be beneficial in achieving the Government's vision of self-reliance in the defence sector. "If we need expertise in logistics, we should get training from our own resources like Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya. If we need equipment, we should have it manufactured in India. The foundation of a strong India can only be laid by being Aatmanirbhar," he added.

On the MoU's provision of experiential learning through real-world case studies, Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, through the leadership, management, and operational experience of the Armed Forces personnel, will help shape a new generation of logistics experts and managers who will meet the dynamic needs of modern warfare.

Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed confidence that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will serve as a vital partner in empowering the Armed Forces with cutting-edge logistics education, research, and innovation.

The event was attended by senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways, including the CDS, Air Force Chief, Army Chief, Defence Secretary, Chairman of the Railway Board, and Vice Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya. /BI