India’s former defence minister and
deputy chairman of Planning Commission Krishna Chandra Pant passed away Delhi
on Thursday morning at the age of 81.
Indian Defence Minister AK Antony expressed his “profound
grief” at the demise of the ex-minister who held the command of the ministry during
critical times like the deployment of the Indian troops in Sri Lanka and to
preempt a coup attempt in Maldives.
“Pant steered the Ministry at one of the most critical
junctures of history as the Indian Peace Keeping Forces were deployed in Sri
Lanka as a stepping stone to the tortuous journey for peace in the island nation.
The Indian troops were also deployed at short notice in Maldives to abort a
coup attempt, in a clear manifestation of our commitment to the promotion of
peace and stability in South Asian Region,” Antony said in his condolence message.
In his political career Pant was in 12 ministries and he was
country’s defence minister form 1987-89, in the Rajiv Gandhi government.
Pant has been instrumental in key acquisitions for the armed
forces as the British-built aircraft carrier HMS Hermes – rechristened as INS
Viraat for the Indian Navy and MiG-29 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.
“Pant bolstered the Indian Armed Forces in a big way with
the acquisition of the country’s flagship aircraft carrier INS Viraat and
Mig-29 aircraft among many other acquisitions during his tenure as the Defence
Minister.
“He was also instrumental in the setting up of the first
Coast Guard Air Station at Daman. May his soul rest in peace,” Antony added.
No comments:
Post a Comment