Will give befitting reply if provoked, says Rajnath
NEW DELHI: In a clear message to China from eastern Ladakh, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India is a peace-loving nation that never resorts to any kind of aggression but is prepared to give a befitting reply if provoked or threatened.
Addressing soldiers in a forward location on the second day of his visit to the region, Singh said India wants to resolve disputes with the neighbouring countries through dialogue but asserted that the nation’s safety and security forces will never be compromised at any cost.
Singh’s three-day visit to the region comes in the midst of a stalemate in resolving over a year-long standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in several friction points in eastern Ladakh region though they withdrew troops and weapons from Pangong lake areas in February.
“We had to face a big challenge along the Northern border last year. But our armed forces displayed their courage and dedication to deal with it...Our Army has the capability to give a befitting reply to every challenge,” he said.
The defence minister said disputes can be resolved through dialogue if there is a clear intent for it.
“We have always worked for world peace. We never attack anyone. Our objective has never been to achieve victory against anyone. India has neither attacked any country nor occupied an inch. Our intention is very clear,” he said.
We have worked for world peace. But our Army has the capability to give a befitting reply to every challenge. RAJNATH SINGH, defence minister
Union