”On the Western front, the long-standing challenge of cross-border terrorism now elicits more befitting responses,” the minister of external affairs said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday asserted that Uri and Balakot strikes by India in Pakistan sent out a clear message to the global community about India’s determination to combat cross-border terrorism.
”On the Western front, the long-standing challenge of cross-border terrorism now elicits more befitting responses. Believe me, Uri and Balakot sent their own messages,” he said while delivering the Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru Memorial Lectures 2024 at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Convention Centre, on the topic of ‘Bharat and the World’.
Calling national security a complicated calculus in today’s times, the minister highlighted India’s response to Chinese incursions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “The calculus of national security has become much more complicated. Traditional methods of competing and pressuring are buttressed by new tools of influence and disruption. Here too, Bharat has pushed back with determination and fortitude,” he said.
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The minister said India has worked on developing border infrastructure; one of the aspects which, he said, was “long neglected.”
“When we were challenged on the LAC, with China, In the midst of COVID rapid and effective counter deployments were the appropriate answer. We have made the defence of the nation much more effective,” Mr Jaishankar said.
He added, “On the largest stage when it came to the Indo-Pacific. We held firmly to our decision to establish and take forward the Quad.”
He said, ”Economically, Bharat’s answer is in greater Atmanirbharta. Politically, a more authentic and rooted representation that will contest the propaganda which will favour the compliant and discredit it. Bharat will never shy away from questions, but equally, Bharat has the courage to question the questioners.”
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