Itanagar: Asserting that India embraces the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) and never encourages war but always wants to maintain cordial relations with its neighbours, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that if provoked, the country has every capability to face any kind of situation.
“India is a country which never encourages war and always wants to maintain cordial relations with its neighbours. This is our philosophy inherited from Lord Rama and from the teachings of Lord Buddha. The country has every capability to face any kind of situation if provoked,” said the Defence Minister while inaugurating the strategically important Siyom Bridge and e-launching 27 other infrastructure projects built by BRO from Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district.
“The world is witnessing a number of conflicts today. India has always been against war. It is our policy. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew the world’s attention to that resolve when he said ‘this is not the era of war’.
“We do not believe in war, but if it is forced upon us, we will fight. We are ensuring that the Nation is protected from all threats. Our Armed Forces are ready and it is heartening to see that the BRO is walking shoulder-to-shoulder with them,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister described the projects as a testament to the concerted efforts of the Government of India and the BRO towards the development of border areas in order to enhance
the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces and ensure socio-economic development of
the far-flung regions. He asserted that it is the top priority of the Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to connect the border areas and ensure the development of its residents.
He further highlighted the crucial role played by the BRO in bolstering the country’s security through infrastructure development in border areas.
“Recently, our forces effectively countered the adversary in the Northern sector and dealt with the situation with bravery & promptness. This was made possible due to adequate infrastructural development in the region. This motivates us even more for the progress of far-flung areas,” he
said in an obvious reference to last month’s border clash between the Indian and Chinese troops at Tawang sector.
Terming infrastructure development as a game changer for the people residing in border areas,
Singh lauded the BRO for ensuring socio-economic development in far-flung regions.
He stressed that the government is paying special attention to the development of the North-Eastern region, which has strengthened the country’s security system.
