New Delhi: Terming the situation in Afghanistan as challenging, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the changing equations have forced every country to re-think on its strategy.
He said the formation of “Quad”— a group of India, Australia, US and Japan—came up in this background. Speaking at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, Tamil Nadu, he stressed on the need to view every dimension of national security.
One of our neighbouring countries has started resorting to proxy war. Terrorism has become an integral part of its state policy. It has started targeting India by providing arms, funds and training to terrorists.
“India, despite its capabilities, has never attacked any country till date, he said. Though India believes in peace, it has always been ready on all fronts to protect self-respect and interest of its people and ensure their security,” he said. He reiterated the government’s resolve to protect the country against all types of external and internal threats. “After losing two wars, one of our neighbouring countries (Pakistan) has started resorting to proxy war, and terrorism has become an integral part of its state policy. It has started targeting India by providing arms, funds, and training to terrorists,” he said.
“If a ceasefire (between India & Pakistan) is successful today, it is because of our strength. In 2016, cross-border strikes changed our reactionary mindset into a proactive mindset, which was further strengthened by the Balakot airstrike in 2019,” Singh added.
On the Galwan Valley incident, he said the unilateral attempt to change status quo at the northern border was also dealt with a new dynamic. “Our soldiers displayed bravery as well as restraint, when required, to thwart enemy plans,” he said.