India will take all “necessary measures” to protect and secure itself, President Ram Nath Kovind has said in Croatia, referring to the IAF strikes in Pakistan’s Balakot following the Pulwama attack.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated last monthafter Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama district onFebruary 14. The JeM claimed responsibility for the attack.
Speaking at an event here, Kovind said: “As for India,we have made it clear that we will take all necessary measures to protectourselves, to secure ourselves, so that we can provide for the welfare of ourpeople.”
“Peace and security are critical to foster thewell-being of humanity. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Croatia forits steadfast support against terrorism,” the president said.
Noting that initiatives like ‘Make in India’, ‘DigitalIndia’ and ‘Start-up India’ provide new business prospects, Kovind said Indiaand Croatia are keen to deepen their relations, particularly on the economic side.”A good foundation has already been laid, with investments by both sides.There is good potential to strengthen trade, investment and technologycooperation. Your support to explore new areas of collaboration would beinvaluable,” the president said.