Republic Summit 2018 | 9/11 commenced global war against terrorism: former COAS General Bikram Singh

Beginning his address by saluting each and every soldier of India from Army, Navy and Air Force, former Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh, spoke about the commencement of global war against terrorism on a Republic Summit's 'Isolate and Eliminate' panel discussion with Israel's Brigadier General Nitzan Nuriel and Major Gaurav Arya. The General also spoke about how each state needs to have a specific counter-terror strategy. 

"9/11 was the turning point. It was a watershed moment as far as terrorism is concerned. It was only time when the United States took a stance. Three areas were under attack: New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania. And the awakening of the United States that brought about UN Security Council resolution in the same month which actually gives out various points on the global war of terror. As far as India is concerned, I remember that I was a sector commander. I was commanding one sector in Anantnag, South Kashmir. What was the turning point as Gaurav said that was the metamorphosis as far as Pakistan is concerned. That was the time when George Bush had said either you are with us or you are with the terrorists. That's the time when Pervez Musharraf came on the TV and he addressed international community. 9/11 commenced global war against terrorism."

"Things seem to be back to square one now.  We are engaging external partners like Israel. Our approach has graduated drastically. This hotel came under attack in 26/11 and I want to pay my condolences to all those who lost their lives. Each state needs to have a specific counter terror strategy. No two states are same and they need specific strategies. Political and diplomatic initiative plays a key role", he added.  

Read: Republic Summit 2018 | From Aviation To Digitisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Talks Development During His Keynote

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Republic TV Summit, speaking on the theme of Surging India. PM Modi then went onto highlight the growth of India in the past few years and underlined the importance of Surging India - the theme of the annual summit of Republic TV.

"Surging India - the two words - are the expression of 130 crore Indians. These are the feelings, vibrations which the world is witnessing. In the world society, India's growth is moving ahead in a very fast manner. India's image in front of the world is getting better with each passing day," he said.

Surging India | Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Keynote Address At The Inaugural Republic Summit. Watch Full Speech Here