Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that the way India is handling its border row
with China clearly showed that the country is not weak and can retaliate to any
type of aggression, transgression or unilateral acts. After the two countries
conducted several round of talks at the diplomatic and military levels to
resolve their issue, India wishes for peaceful solutions of the conflicts but the
country will not compromise with their self-respect, Singh added, reported PTI.
India and
China have been in a standoff from over seven months at eastern Ladakh.
During his
speech at the Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal
on the outskirts of the city, the minister also said China’s “attitude
reflected that country’s intentions” during the coronavirus pandemic.
Also read: China’s winter face saving exit option
He
mentioned that India has been supported by several countries. However, he also said
about Pakistan that despite being defeated four times by India, Pakistan has
still indulged themselves in a “proxy war” with India using with the help of
terrorism. Although Indian armed forces and police forces have efficiently
tackled with terrorism, reported PTI.
Singh gave
the example of Balakot air strikes in Pakistan which showed India’s military
strength to the world and country’s resistance against terrorism. He also said
that with the changing time, the country need to adopt new war strategies as
now the challenges are not only from across the borders or seas but also from
the cyber and space domains, for which we need to be ready.
Also read: India-China border issue not open for third party intervention by US: China
The Minister asked the newly commissioned officers to keep
themselves updated about military strategy and technology and also focus on
Artificial Intelligence. As part of reforms, many steps, including
increase in FDI limit in the defence sector, new policy on defence manufacturing
and corporatization of ordnance factories were taken, Singh said, reported PTI.