NSA Doval’s speech ‘should’ve attacked when threatened’ not aimed at China: Officials

The National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval’s October 24 address at an ashram (hermitage) in Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh was made in a spiritual and civilisational context and was not aimed at China, government officials have clarified, ANI reported. 

Any attempt to twist the NSA’s statement was uncalled for as he was not speaking about either China or the ongoing conflict in the eastern Ladakh, the officials added.

Also read: India-China border clashes left relationship ‘disturbed’: S Jaishankar

In his address at Rishikesh’s Parmarth Niketan ashram on October 24, Doval said, “You said we have never attacked anyone and there are many views about it.”

“If there is a threat to the country, then we should have attacked as it is important to save the country,” the NSA said.

“We will fight where you want us to fight, that is also not mandatory. We fight where we feel the threat is coming,” said Doval. 

“We will fight a war on our land and others’ land too but not our selfish reasons but for the highest good of others,” he added.

Also read: India should be bigger than China in power and scope: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

The clarification came following several media reports, which suggested that the NSA’s speech was in the context of the recent border flare-up in eastern Ladakh and was aimed at China.