India should be prepared for the "eventuality" that nuclear, chemical and biological weapons may fall into the hands of terrorists, Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju said Thursday while stressing that adequate steps were being taken to counter any threats. The Minister was speaking to the press on the sidelines of a seminar on 'Emerging Technologies in Sub Conventional Warfare and Homeland Security jointly organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Centre for Land Warfare Studies at DRDO Bhawan.

India was closely watching China's "moves" to increase its military prowess in the Indian Ocean and would take "adequate measures" if its internal security is threatened, said the minister in an answer to a query from the media.

The minister said that the internal security situation in the country has a bearing upon the investments, industry and employment and indicators of human development. Lately, the government has taken initiatives to strengthen the internal security apparatus. New Centres for rapid response are being set up in key cities all over the country. In order to raise the economic growth of the country, India must provide peace and mental security to investors so that they are confident about bringing in much needed capital. The Government has stated its intention to source defence equipment indigenously up to the extent of 70 percent. He emphasised that there are significant opportunities for the private industry to partner in the homeland security and sub conventional warfare space, while delivering the inaugural address.

Lt Gen Jasbir Singh, DG Infantry highlighted the urgent need to reshape the capabilities of the security forces. He further added that the non-conventional and conventional capabilities of the security forces have to be balanced. He brought out that the Indian Army has been deployed in various regions on the country to tackle threats in those regions. He added that the Indian armed and security forces are considered as masters in the field of counter insurgency world over and various countries look upon us as examples.

While delivering the welcome address at the session, S K Munjal, Past President CII and Chairman Hero Corporate Services said that the Defence sector is at the threshold of changes and industry is looking forward to these changes. He brought out that offsets offer a huge opportunity for the Indian industry. The challenge that remains is to convert these opportunities into inclusive growth of the country.

The seminar concluded on the note that the challenge to modernise and upgrade the homeland security is great and the government, industry and citizens have to together work towards achieving the goal of a secure nation. We cannot be a nation of bystanders, was the consensus.