Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (16 January) addressed the first batch of Agniveers of the three armed services, who have commenced their basic training, via video conferencing.

PM Modi congratulated the Agniveers on being the pioneers of the "path-breaking" Agnipath scheme, according to a PMO release.

He highlighted that this transformative policy will be a game changer in strengthening our Armed Forces and making them future ready for the challenges that lie ahead, the release said.

He also affirmed that the young Agniveers will make the Armed Forces more youthful and tech savvy.

Hailing the potential of Agniveers, he said that their spirit is reflective of the bravery of the armed forces which has always kept the flag of the nation flying high.

PM Modi said that the experience which they will acquire through this opportunity will be a source of pride for life.

He further said that new India is filled with renewed vigour, and efforts are underway to modernise our armed forces as well as make them Aatmanirbhar.

He said that in the 21st century, the way wars are fought is changing.

Discussing the new fronts of contactless warfare and challenges of cyber warfare, he said technologically-advanced soldiers will play a key role in our armed forces.

He added that the current generation of youth especially have this potential, and so the Agniveers will play a leading role in our armed forces in the times to come.

Prime Minister also spoke about how the scheme will further empower women.

He expressed happiness at how women Agniveers are adding pride to the vaval forces, and said that he looks forward to seeing women Agniveers in all three forces.

Prime Minister also recalled how women are leading armed forces on various fronts, citing examples of woman soldier posted in Siachen and women driving modern fighter planes, the release said.

Prime Minister said that getting posted in different regions will give them an opportunity to get diverse experiences and that they should try to learn different languages and also about different cultures and ways of living.

He said that teamwork and honing of leadership skills will add a new dimension to their personality and exhorted Agniveers to remain curious about learning new things while simultaneously working on bettering their skills in the fields of their choice.