Rajnath Singh Lauds IAF Officers For Efforts In India-China Standoff, Says 'We Have Capability To Deal With Any Eventuality'

The Defence Minister, who interacted with the officers and jawans of the Indian Army’s 14 Corps at Karu Military Station in Ladakh, stated that India is a peace-loving nation that never resorts to any kind of aggression, but at the same time it is always prepared to give a befitting reply if provoked.

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Ladakh: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India believes in resolving disputes through dialogue with neighbouring countries, but is always prepared to give a befitting reply if provoked.

The Defence Minister, who interacted with the officers and jawans of the Indian Army’s 14 Corps at Karu Military Station in Ladakh, stated that India is a peace-loving nation that never resorts to any kind of aggression, but at the same time, it is always prepared to give a befitting reply if provoked.

At the Leh Air Force Base today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded IAF officers for their efforts in the India-China standoff saying, "If a situation arises we have the capability to deal with any eventuality."

"I wanted to meet personally. During the Indo-China standoff, your effort is commendable. If any situation arises, we have the capability to deal with any eventuality." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told them.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met personnel of Air Force, Army, ITBP and GREF during the traditional 'Bara Khana' in Leh.

"From PM Modi to his predecessors, all of them worked to improve relations with neighbours. Atal Ji (former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee) in fact, once said, "Friends can change, not neighbours": Rajnath Singh told the officers present.

"The charismatic work done by the forces a year ago has been hailed by the nation. With the strength shown by the Army, Air Force, who can defeat such a force?" he added.

Earlier, talking to the Indian army, he reiterated the government’s stand of resolving disputes through dialogue with neighbouring countries but assured the nation’s safety and security will not be compromised at any cost.

"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.

Talking about India’s neighbours, Singh called for finding permanent solutions to disputed issues through talks.

"Our neighbours should think that we have been neighbours for ages, we will remain neighbours for ages. Can we not find permanent solutions to the disputed issues through talks. We were neighbours, we are neighbours and we will remain neighbours. I am talking about all the neighbours. We can find solutions provided we have clear intent," he said.

Assuring all possible support to the armed forces, the Defence Minister reaffirmed the government’s vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership of a strong military that is capable of dealing with every eventuality.

In his address, he also paid rich tributes to the brave jawans, who laid down their lives in the service of the nation during the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

Singh said the country will never forget their supreme sacrifice.

Lauding the exemplary courage displayed by the Indian Army during the incident, he stated the nation is proud of its armed forces.

The Defence Minister also commended the 14th Corps for their invaluable contribution during the 1965 India-Pakistan war as well as the 1999 Kargil war.

The Defence Minister was, according to officials, given a detailed briefing about the prevailing situation as well as India's combat readiness in the region by top commanders of the Army.