Firm response, diplomatically or otherwise, is imperative
Of late, the hotly contested debates in the media, particularly on television, are those concerning India’s external and defence stance in the light of incidents with neighbours— China and Pakistan. Chinese incursion into India and Pakistan’s manslaughter of Indian soldiers have disturbed the peace process and put pressure on India’s External Affairs and Defence Ministries to come up with a firm response. The perception not just in the media, but generally, is that India’s response to such offensive tactics has been ‘meek’.
While the government is treading a ‘soft path’ there is a growing segment of military experts who believe that India should respond to such incursions with equal vehemence. In his fortnightly column, Lt General (Retd) P.C. Katoch states that when the Chinese intrusion is so very deliberate in establishing 10 kilometres inside our territory, the least we could do is to establish a post north of their posi- tion, behind the Chinese intrusion. Certainly, this is one viewpoint and there are others and the government of the day will have to consider the best option in the interests of the country.
Recently at the Unified Commanders’ Conference, the Defence Minister A.K. Antony reiterated that India remains committed to a “peaceful resolution of the situation (bordering China), through dialogue within the framework of the agreements for maintaining peace and tranquillity.” While stating so, he emphasised that the country remains united in its commitment to take every possible step to “safeguard our interests.”
This not only applies to border relationship, but also to businesses and to make Indian enterprises globally competitive, the government has initiated several measures to encourage India Inc. The Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) has been amended further to bring about greater efficiency in the procurement process and to strengthen the defence manufacturing base in the country.
We are pleased to mention that Air Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra, our Editorial Adviser, has been felicitated with Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee on April 27, 2013. We convey our heartiest congratulations to Air Marshal Chopra and his family for such an honourable achievement.
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