Chennai, April 10 (NationPress) During the convocation of the 81st Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasized the critical importance of collaboration and jointness among personnel of the Indian armed forces.

In his address, the Defence Secretary acknowledged the pivotal role of DSSC in cultivating the future leadership of the military. He interacted with the student officers, which included 44 international participants, extending his congratulations on their successful completion of this esteemed course and recognizing their commitment and perseverance.

Singh commended the officers for their efforts in enhancing cooperation and building robust relationships between their nations and India, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

He underscored the essential function of DSSC in developing senior leaders for the Defence Forces, lauding the training initiatives that promote synergy and jointness among military officers.

The ceremony was also attended by Defence Attaches from several allied nations.

Founded in 1948, DSSC serves as a premier Tri-service training establishment that offers professional education to selected mid-level officers from both the Indian Defence Forces and allied nations.

The institution aims to enhance their capabilities for greater responsibilities.

To date, over 2,000 international officers and 19,500 Indian officers have received training at DSSC, many of whom have ascended to prominent leadership roles in various governments and military organizations around the globe.

Last month, the Defence Secretary oversaw the signing of contracts worth a total of Rs 858 crore for the acquisition of the Russian Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and a maintenance agreement with Boeing for the inspection of the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft utilized by the Indian Navy.

The contract for the Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems, valued at Rs 445 crore, was finalized with Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport for the Indian Army.

These advanced missiles are set to bolster India's multi-layered air defence capabilities against various aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.

The contract for the inspection of the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft for the Indian Navy, categorized under "Buy Indian" with 100% indigenous content, valued at Rs 413 crore, was signed with Boeing India Defense Private Limited, which is a fully-owned Indian subsidiary of Boeing, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Defence.