India firmly committed to peace, stability: Pranab Mukherjee

Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday presented the President's Standard to 31 squadron and 116 helicopter unit of Indian Air Force at Jodhpur and said that India is firmly committed to peace and stability.

"India is firmly committed to peace and stability for which we need an effective deterrence and a strong defence force. The Indian Air Force has been fulfilling its role of protecting the Indian skies and safeguarding the sovereignty of our Nation and has also provided aid to its citizens during natural calamities," said the President. "The resilience and tenacity displayed by the Air Warriors is a great source of encouragement and a matter of pride for the Nation. While the nation is striving for an all-round economic growth and social empowerment of its citizens, we will remain equally focused on building our defence capability that safeguards our sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added.

"The two units are being presented the Standard for their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of adversity. The nation honours them with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation," said Mukherjee.