Defence Minister Arun Jaitley pays homage to Kargil martyrs in front of Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.
On the 15th anniversary of the Kargil War, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley today said the government will soon finalise the site for construction of a "grand" National War Memorial.
"For the war memorial, where names of all those who sacrificed their lives for the country will be written, we feel it is required," he said.
After paying homage to martyrs of the 1999 war with Pakistan, Mr Jaitley said he would soon be visiting the Princess Park locality near the India Gate complex with the chiefs of the three defence services to take a decision on the issue.
"It is a large piece of land and I think it is appropriate for the war museum, which is required by India. As soon as details are finalised, they will have to get sanctions from all the departments. I think, in principle, that is the arrangement. It will take some time before it is completed," said Mr Jaitley.
The government has earmarked Rs 100 crore for the construction for the war memorial and the war museum. "Whatever funds would be required, we will be making it available," he added.
Asked about the kind of talks India will have with Pakistan at the foreign secretary-level since ceasefire violations are taking place frequently, the defence minister said, "The issue taken up by you in itself is an issue...Whenever talks are held, India takes up issues which are related to its sovereignty."
On the shortage of funds for armed forces modernisation, he said, "It is not so. The Army is fully equipped and ready," adding that whenever the armed forces require anything, the government "on priority basis, even if we have to cut expenditure from other avenues, meets the requirements of the forces. This year also, we have increased the defence expenditure."