The defence minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, on Monday said that the Doklam issue was handled by India with “complete maturity without bloodshed” while the government will continue to oppose the ‘China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’ (CPEC) without severing diplomatic ties with China.

The defence minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, on Monday addressing a conference organised by the ladies wing of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, in the city, elaborated on issues that have garnered attention from countries across the globe drawing both criticism and applauds.

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The defence minister talking on the handling of the Doklam stand-off between India and China said “We don’t see the Doklam stand-off in a negative view. It was an issue that was handled by India with complete maturity instead of dealing with it in a “bellicose’’ manner. Reactions during bilateral meetings with several countries have made it quite apparent that our engagement with China was done with great subtlety and responsibility without any bloodshed.”

Responding to a question on why the Doklam issue wasn’t raised during the recent meet between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, Mrs Sitharaman pointed out “The issues for discussion between Mr Modi and Xi Jinping were already laid out by the ministry of external affairs.

One could say that a new approach has surfaced in the world of diplomacy whereby counterparts of two countries discuss issues which are of national interest. It should be noted that this the second time when President Xi Jinping had personally come to receive our Prime Minister during his recent visit to China. This highlights the cordial relation that has grown between them which is vital for maintaining healthy diplomatic ties.”

She added that however, Indian government has conveyed their stance on the CPEC issue and will continue to resist the corridor project as it would pass through the Indian Territory which cannot be tolerated. But, the resistance will be put forward without severing the good ties between both countries.

Commenting on whether there is any possibility of conducting another surgical strike given the continuous attempts of infiltration by Pakistan, Mrs Sitharaman said “We know how in the present time there are “non-state actors” involved who are also attempting to carry out attacks, that too using modernised weapons. Our Army is fully within its rights to carry out such precision strikes without waiting for any permission if the need arises.”