While Pokhran has certainly helped us in achieving a measure of strategic autonomy in the nuclear field, there is much that still needs to be done in areas of key national security interest. We will find that others would be more inclined to cooperate with us in these fields once we are able to place an indigenous satellite in geosynchronous orbit and develop our capabilities to commission fast breeder nuclear reactors. Success in such efforts boosts national confidence and morale. There is also no need for us to be as apologetic and defensive as we currently seem to be, every time we test an intermediate or long-range missile. We have a tendency to get overly disappointed at occasional failures in the development of satellites and missile systems.
Every country experiences failures and delays in the initial stages of development in such areas.
There is unfortunately a tendency on the part of our armed forces to constantly change their user requirements when systems are in the process of being developed. We should develop a sense of pride and confidence in indigenously developed systems. The government should make it clear that while it would be willing to import or seek foreign collaboration in a limited manner for key weapons systems like combat aircraft and tanks, our defence scientists and armed forces brass will have to learn to collaborate harmoniously and realistically to achieve increasing self-reliance in our armories. The goal of bringing the Light Combat Aircraft, LCA into squadron service expeditiously should be pursued with vigour and determination. India will win respect internationally only when projects like the LCA, the Main Battle Tank, and the Advanced Technology Vehicle are successfully implemented.