Resolute reply helped in resolution: Rajnath

NEW DELHI: India’s resolute response on its borders has helped in positive and peaceful resolution of certain significant issues and the country has nurtured close relations with likeminded nations to further common security interests, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.

Last month, India and Pakistan announced that they have agreed to observe all ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC). Moreover, India and China last month withdrew their troops from the north and south banks of Pangong lake even as the standoff continues in the other border areas of eastern Ladakh.

Our ability to secure India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty from external threats and internal challenges have been strengthened in the recent years, he said on Twitter, adding that the Indian armed forces today are proactive and more resolute in their responses.

Earlier in the day, Singh addressed Combined Commanders’ Conference, a premier brainstorming event of the military officials, at Kevadia in Gujarat.

“India’s resolute response on the borders has helped in positive and peaceful resolution of certain significant issues. I salute the selfless courage displayed by the soldiers during the eastern Ladakh standoff,” he said.

We are working towards increasing jointness in the armed forces, he said. “The optimal utilisation of our resources and rationalisation of manpower holds the key to jointness and better coordination between the forces,” he said. “We as a country are looking to strengthen our ability to create secure and stable environment that can facilitate India’s economic growth. Our enhanced defence capabilities will allow us to be better prepared for contingencies,” Singh noted.

Rajnath Singh