Amid the ongoing disengagement talks to de-escalate the stand-off between the armies of the two Asian neighbours along the LAC, the Defence Minister sent out a strong message to China from Ladakh and said not one inch of India's land can be taken by any power in the world. He further added that the talks are on to resolve the dispute, however, there's no guarantee to what extent it can be resolved.
"Talks are underway to resolve the border dispute but to what extent it can be resolved I cannot guarantee. I can assure you, not one inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world. If a solution can be found by talks, there is nothing better," he said.
Rajnath Singh addressed the Indian Army and ITBP soldiers, where he paid tribute to the bravehearts who were martyred in Galwan clash. He said, "Recently what happened between troops of India and China at PP14, how some of our personnel sacrificed their lives protecting our border. I am happy to meet you all but also saddened because of their loss. I pay my tributes to them."
WATCH | Rajnath Singh interacts with Indian Army and ITBP soldiers in Ladakh
ALSO READ | Rajnath Singh At Ladakh: Defence Minister Reviews Field Exercise By Indian Army's T-90 Tanks And BMPs At Stakna
Rajnath was given a good flavour of India's combat readiness at the Ladakh sector as he first witnessed the Indian Army T-90 tanks and BMP infantry combat vehicles carrying out exercise at Stakna in Leh amid the presence Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General MM Naravane. Rajnath then was privy to the Paratroopers displaying their ability to carry out airborne operations with them doing some para jumps. The defence minister also lay his hands on a Pika machine gun and also had a close look at some scooping weapons.
Earlier in the day, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Leh on Friday Morning as part of his 2-day visit to Ladakh and Kashmir. The purpose of the 2-day visit by the defence minister is to access the military preparedness of the Indian Army and take stock of the ground situation both along the LAC in Ladakh and LOC in Kashmir.
On his arrival at Leh, the defence minister was greeted by the Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General YK Joshi and Lt General Harinder Singh, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 14 Corps. The Defence Minister is being accompanied by the Army Chief General MM Naravane and the Chief Of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat.