Against the backdrop of the continuing stand-off in Doklam in Sikkim, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday asserted that the armed forces were ready to meet any challenge at the “western” and “eastern” borders. Though Jaitley did not name any country, it was obvious that he was referring to Pakistan and China. India shares the north-eastern border with China and the western border with Pakistan.
Making this assertion in the Rajya Sabha, he said India has “learnt lessons” from the 1962 War that the armed forces have to be always prepared.
Initiating the discussion to mark the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement, he said the nation faces challenges from “our neighbouring countries” and underlined the need for preparedness.
Elaborating upon the challenges, he said compared to 1962 the armed forces were stronger in the 1965 war with Pakistan and the 1971 Bangladesh liberation War. He, however, cautioned that some people were targeting the country’s sovereignty and integrity, “But I am fully confident that our brave soldiers have the capability to keep our country secure, whether it be challenges on the eastern border or the western border.”
Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a stand-off in Doklam since June 16 with more than 300-350 Indian troops and more or less the same number of Chinese soldiers facing each other at a distance of 150 metres.
India wants the mutual withdrawal of troops from both sides before talks, while China is insisting that India pull back its Army before parleys.
Referring to occupation of parts of Jammu & Kashmir by Pakistan in 1948 soon after Independence, Jaitley said, “Initially (after Independence), we faced a crisis. Our neighbour had an eye on Kashmir. Even today, we cannot forget that a part of the country has got separated. It is the wish of every Indian today as to how to retrieve that part.”
The bigger challenge is now was the scourge of terrorism and left Wing Extremism, he said, adding the country lost a PM and a former PM to this menace in an apparent reference to Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.