Nuclear powered Prithvi II missile with a range of 350 km has been successfully test fired from Chandipore in Balasore. It is another feather in the cap of our missile scientists. In the wake of increasing intimidation from China and Pakistan, on our east and west, we have been left with no option but to boost our defence preparedness at all costs. With the slew of successes coming to our space scientists, we are reminded of late APJ Kalam, a great son of the soil who did the pioneering work in space and missile technology and paved the way for our country to aspire to be at par with the western developed countries in defence preparedness. India has repeatedly said that she is interested more in civilian use of her nuclear technology and has no designs against any country in the world much less her neighbours. But our neighbours are not reconciled to India making steady progress in all fields and have vowed to put hurdles in our way. The proxy war unleashed by Pakistan, and frequent intrusion by China’s PLA in Ladakh sector and China’s claim to Arunachal Pradesh, all are clear indications that India cannot and should not remain complacent. She has to increase her defence and deterrent strategy if she wants to grow in economic pursuits.
On successful launching of Prithvi II, we convey hearty felicitations to our eminent scientists and planners who have done the country a great service that makes us raise our heads in pride. We have highly qualified engineers and technocrats and the country expects lot more from them. Our adversaries should know that raising a finger towards India will cost them much more than what they can imagine if it comes to doing us harm. But if they want to live with us in peace and harmony, India will walk more than a step in that direction.