New Delhi: Indian state has been hardening its stance, at least in statements about its relations with China. Addressing a webinar to mark the 60th anniversary of the National Defence College, India’ defense minister Rajnath Singh said: “peace can not necessarily be achieved by a desire of peace but by the ability to deter war”.
He added: “India is determined to protect its sovereignty and integrity in the face of unilateralism and aggression”.
Rajnath Singh’s remarks came on the eve of 8th round of talks with China to cool down the tensions at Line of Actual Control in Ladakh where armies of both sides have been face to face since May this year.
Without naming China or its aggression along the LAC, the Defense Minister said: “Recently, India has been facing other challenges on its borders. India is a peace-loving country. We believe that differences should not become disputes. We attach importance to the peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue.”
“We are committed to respect for various agreements and protocols that India has entered into for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity on our borders. However, India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unilateralism and aggression, no matter what the sacrifice”, said he.