Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India’s handling of the border standoff with China showed that the country was not weak and could give a befitting reply to any kind of transgression, aggression or unilateral acts.
With the two countries having held several rounds of talks to resolve the issue, Singh said India wants peaceful resolution of disputes, but asserted no harm to its self- respect will be tolerated.
India and China have been locked in an over seven-month standoff at eastern Ladakh.
In his address at the Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal on the outskirts of the city, Singh also said China’s “attitude reflected that country’s intentions” during the COVID-19 crisis.
“But we have shown that India is not weak. This is new India that will give a befitting reply to any kind of transgression, aggression or any unilateral action,” he said.
India has found the support of many countries, even as it has received accolades, he said.
Pointing out that rounds of talks have been held at the diplomatic and military levels to solve the issue, the Defence Minister said “let me reiterate, we don’t want conflict, but peace.
“But we will not tolerate any harm to the country’s self-respect,” the Defence Minister asserted. The country was prepared to face any situation, he said.