Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], January 14 (ANI): Lieutenant General Sukriti Singh Dahiya, Chief of Staff of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), on Wednesday dismissed concerns over China's reported deployment of humanoid robots along its borders, saying the machines do not pose a significant challenge to India. He stressed that wars are ultimately decided by the quality of soldiers, not technology alone.

Interacting with the media in Shimla on the occasion of the 10th Veterans Day celebrations, Lt Gen Dahiya said India has one of the strongest and most professional armies in the world, and there is no need to be worried about displays of machines on the border.

Answering a question on whether China's deployment of humanoid robots could impact India's border vigilance system, Lt Gen Dahiya remarked, 'I will only quote a very old military saying, it is never the machine that matters in war, it is the man behind the machine that matters. Probably we have the strongest and most professional Army and defence forces, so let's not get too worried about the machines which are being displayed on the border.' He said.

He was responding to media queries during events marking Veterans Day, held a day ahead of Army Day, which will be celebrated on Thursday as the 78th Army Day.

Lt Gen Dahiya also said that several important initiatives related to the future of Army training would be formally announced on Army Day. 'There are many good things we will be sharing tomorrow on Army Day. ARTRAC is taking several steps to advance training in the Indian Army, particularly for modern warfare. In the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, which has just concluded, there are many lessons learnt and many things to share, which will be announced on Army Day,' he said.

Explaining the significance of Veterans Day, Lt. Gen. Dahiya said the observance began 10 years ago to formally engage with veterans before celebrating Army Day. 'The symbolism is that before we think of the Army, we need to think of the veterans. That is how the inception of Veterans Day happened,' he said.

He added that the day offers an opportunity to thank veterans for their service and seek their guidance, given their vast experience. 'This is a formal occasion where we reach out to veterans, thank them for their service and seek from them any guidance they have for us, including any personal or collective welfare issues where we can assist them,' he said.

Highlighting Himachal Pradesh's deep association with the armed forces, Lt Gen Dahiya said the state has a long and proud martial tradition. 'I do not think there is any family in Himachal which does not have some member in the armed forces. The heartbeat of Himachal is very close to the military fraternity. Even those who are not in the military have tremendous respect and support for the armed forces, for which we are extremely grateful,' he said.

Recalling the sacrifices made by the people of the state, he added that the number of lives laid down by soldiers from Himachal Pradesh for the nation's security and integrity is 'commendable, and we salute all of them.

Meanwhile, Retired Major Dr Ritu Kalra, a veteran who was felicitated by the Army Training Command, said recognition of veterans by Army units is crucial and deeply meaningful. Speaking to ANI, she said, 'It is very important that veterans are recognised by Army units because they are seniors who have been part of Army formations. There is a sense of inclusion, just because we have left the uniform does not mean we are not important.'

She added that participating in Army Day or Veterans Day events brings immense pride. 'Wearing the uniform was like a second skin. Getting recognition from the Army is always a pleasure and very important for us,' she said. (ANI)