New Delhi: In an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN, Chief of Air Staff S P Tyagi said that the Indian armed forces are now projecting its ability not just in terms of its war-waging potential but also as life-savers in disaster-hit areas.
Tyagi said, the armed forces’ disaster management capability is a soft power and clarified that this should not be interpreted as India’s attempt to project power.
"Armed forces all over the world are instruments of foreign policy and in that sense the Indian armed forces are no different," he says. Whatever manner the Government deems fit to use the forces, it is always there to help, he adds.
Now that armed forces are mandated with disaster relief operations outside India also, Tyagi said that budgeting is required. "Whether it (budget) should come to the armed forces or some other agency is a matter of discussion," he said.
"We are getting additional resources and the Government is seriously considering our request to give us 80 additional helicopters," Tyagi said.
He further added that the forces will be required to help neighbouring countries and so the Government is looking at providing additional resources.
When asked if the people expect too much from the armed forces in disaster relief operations, Tyagi said, that there is no doubt that the Government should provide relief but added that the community too has to "lend a helping hand".
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