Victory in war comes through jointness among armed forces: President

Wellington (Tamil Nadu): President Pranab Mukherjee Friday stressed on "jointness" among the three armed forces to ensure ultimate victory in conflicts and effectively uphold sovereignty of the country.

Addressing the convocation of the 71st Staff Course at the prestigious Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) here, he said such a synergy ensured victory in 1971 war for India as a result of which Bangladesh was liberated.

"Army, Navy and Air Force are the military instruments of state power. The history of warfare bears testimony that ultimate victory in war will be achieved through jointness among the three services.

"The foremost example, in contemporary history, of excellent synergy and jointmanship exhibited in military history was during the 1971 war. No strategic military victory has ever been so precedented by any armed force in the world, such as the liberation of Bangladesh which culminated with the birth of a nation, in termination of the war," he said.

Mukherjee said DSSC's curriculum was institutionalised to empower jointness among the armed forces.

Apart from officers of the three defence services and paramilitary forces, 35 officers from 25 friendly countries also graduated from the portals of the college today.

The President gave away medals and parchments to them.

He asked the graduating officers to be well versed about the history of various conflicts and latest technology available in the modern world for successful military operations.

"It is now upon you to ensure that you use this understanding with utmost maturity and prudence to effectively leverage the combat power of your forces when the country requires you as custodians of peace and security to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity conforming to our national interests.

"As your Supreme Commander, I implore you to do this with total loyalty, distinction, steadfastness and patriotic fervour," he said.