Pune: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that Pakistan will not succeed in its proxy war in the form of terrorism against India.
Singh was speaking at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 137th course at National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. Lt Gen SK Saini, GOC-in-C, Southern Command, also attended the parade.
“We have no extra-territorial ambitions nor do we interfere in the affairs of other countries. However, when someone provokes us, we will not let them get away with it,” the minister said.
“Pakistan had realised right from 1948 through the wars in 1965, 1971 and 1999 that it could not win against India in any conventional or limited war. It has chosen a path of proxy war through terrorism and I can tell you with full responsibility that Pakistan will not get anything but defeat,” he added.
“India always had cordial and friendly relations with other countries. The country never had any extra-territorial ambitions but if provoked, we would not spare anyone. We are committed to the sovereignty and security of the people of the country. However, if someone runs terror camps or are involved in an attack, we know how to give a befitting reply as we have done in the past few years like the surgical strike,” the Union minister said.
Singh, who also reviewed the parade, complimented the cadets for their immaculate turnout and excellent drill movements.
Rajnath Singh congratulated the parents of passing out cadets on the occasion and appreciated their decision of sending their children into the Armed Forces.
“Grit and grime at NDA make cadets tough to face any challenge in their military career ahead. Professionalism can only be attained by discipline which these cadets have imbibed,” he added.
He mentioned that India has been spreading the message of peace and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has shown that it can be tough and aggressive whenever required.
He further added that this can only be achieved by jointness of all forces including military and paramilitary forces.
“While other institutions are failing or finding it difficult to sustain in today’s scenario, the National Defence Academy is the only institution whose glory is rising day by day. While cadets have chosen to safeguard the nation, the nation promises to assist their families in all possible ways,” the Defence Minister remarked.
