<span style="color: #222222;">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today presided over 165th and first ever virtual Executive Council, EC meeting of Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, MP-IDSA in New Delhi today.<br />''<br />''Defence Minister congratulated Director General of MP-IDSA, Ambassador Sujan R Chinoy, all the members of the Executive Council and other scholars for discharging their duties despite the limitations imposed due to COVID-19.<br />''<br />''He noted that the Institute had successfully been able to overcome constraints in movement of some scholars and staff and yet maintain the tempo of outreach and research through their writings and webinars, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.<br />''<br />''The MP-IDSA was one of the first institutions to reopen amidst restrictions, while at the same time taking appropriate safety measures and following the social distancing guidelines.<br />''<br />''Mr Singh acknowledged the contribution of MP-IDSA as a key Institute that conducts quality research in defence, security and international relations.<br />''<br />''Over the years, the Institute has worked diligently towards establishing extensive linkages with the armed forces, central police organisations and paramilitary forces, research establishments of the Government and universities across different states of the country.<br />''<br />''He also took the opportunity to laud the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces who have remained prepared and ready to fight the adversary along the borders, in counter-terrorism operations and in providing aid and support to fight COVID-19.</span>