We don’t believe in war, will fight if it is forced: Rajnath

Guwahati: In the backdrop of last month’s clash between Indian and Chinese troops on the border in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday sent out a strong message that India will fight if war is imposed as he inaugurated a strategically important bridge in the frontier state and 27 other border infrastructure projects across the country virtually.
“India has neither started a war against any country nor captured even an inch of land of any country. This, however, should not be taken as our sign of weakness. India has always remained against war as we believe in Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam. We do not believe in war, but if it is forced upon us, we will fight. We are worshippers of peace as well as strength,” Singh said during an event held at the Siyom bridge in Arunachal’s Siang district.
He described these projects as a testament to the concerted efforts of the government 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.
With GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lieutenant General RP Kalita by his side, Singh said, “We are ensuring that the nation is protected from all threats. These projects will provide extreme help in the delivery of ration, military equipment and other help.”
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu, MP Arunachal East Tapir Gao and GOC 3rd Corps Lieutenant General RC Tiwari also attended the event.
“The world is witnessing a number of conflicts today. India has always been against war. It is our policy. Recently, Prime Minister Shri 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.