We won’t tolerate any harm to the country’s self-respect: Rajnath

New Delhi/ Dundigal: “Let me reiterate, we don’t want conflict, but peace. But we will not tolerate any harm to the country’s self-respect,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday. He was speaking at the combined graduation parade at Dundigul Air Force station. Singh roared that this is new India and will not tolerate any aggression though the main aim remains dialogue over conflict. The Minister said that 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 have 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. Singh 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 added. India and China have been locked in an over seven-month standoff at eastern Ladakh.

“You all know that India believes in dialogue and peace. As of now, both the nations are amid bilateral and diplomatic talks. I am repeating again, we do not want conflict but only peace. But we will not tolerate any harm to the nation’s sovereignty and if it happens we are well equipped for giving a strong reply.” he added. Referring to the western sector, Singh said Pakistan was indulging in skirmishes on the borders and charged the neighbour with indulging in a ‘proxy war’ using terrorism, despite being defeated by India in four wars. The armed forces and police were effectively dealing with terrorism, he said. The country was not only handling terrorism effectively within but even taking action beyond the borders, he said. Referring to the airstrikes at terror camps in Balakot in Pakistan, he said they demonstrated India’s military strength to the world and the country’s firm intentions against terrorism.