PM Modi Defends Agnipath Scheme, Accuses Opposition of Politicizing Military Reforms

GG News Bureau
Jammu, 26th July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday defended the Agnipath scheme, calling it a vital reform for modernizing the Indian Armed Forces.

Speaking at a Kargil Vijay Diwas event marking the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War victory, Modi accused the opposition of politicizing the scheme, which aims to reduce the average age of military personnel and maintain a fit and ready army.

Modi dismissed claims that the scheme was intended to cut pension costs, emphasizing its goal of rejuvenating the armed forces. He slammed the opposition for using a sensitive national security issue to advance their political agendas.

“Some people are playing politics with a crucial matter of national security,” Modi stated, emphasizing that the Agnipath scheme addresses long-standing concerns about the age of Indian soldiers compared to global standards.

The Prime Minister accused opposition figures of undermining the military through scams and hindering the acquisition of modern equipment, such as the Tejas fighter jet.

He also refuted accusations that the scheme was financially motivated, pointing out that pension issues for current recruits will only emerge in 30 years.

Modi highlighted his government’s commitment to national security and ex-servicemen, citing the implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme, which has provided over Rs 1.25 lakh crore to veterans.

He reaffirmed that the security of the country remains a top priority over political considerations.