New Delhi: Union Defense Minister Rajnath said on Wednesday that diplomatic and military-level talks with China to resolve the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh have not yielded any “meaningful solution” and the situation is still the same. In an exclusive interview with ANI editor Smita Prakash, the defense minister said that if the situation continues, the deployment of troops cannot be reduced.
Rajnath Singh referred to a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) earlier this month on India-China border matters and said that the next round of military talks could be held anytime.
The situation with China remains the same
Rajnath Singh said, “It is true that talks were being held on the military and diplomatic level to reduce the standoff between India and China. But there is no success so far and there is status quo. The next round of talks can take place anytime. He said that “messages are being exchanged between the two countries on which issues will be discussed”. After the WMCC meeting on 18 December, the Ministry of External Affairs had said that the two sides agreed to maintain close consultation on the diplomatic and military levels. He further said they agreed that the next round of senior commanders’ meeting should be held soon so that both sides could work towards early and complete disbandment of troops along the LAC, as per existing bilateral agreements and protocols, and restore peace completely.
If anyone causes trouble, we will not spare them
“If a country is expansionist and tries to occupy our land, then India has the strength, capability and power to not let its land go into anyone’s hand, whether it is any country of the world,” said Rajnath Singh.
Asked about possible collusion between China and Pakistan about the challenges on the border in this year, the minister said, “Our focus is absolutely on the one eye of the bird. If anyone causes trouble, we will not spare them. But our effort is to have good relations with all.”
The defence minister said, “I do not want to question the previous governments but I can say that ever since PM Modi took office, national security has been number one priority and we are providing maximum facilities to our defence forces.”
He further said, “Ever since its existence, Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border.”
The minister said the troops were working to eradicate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The country’s soldiers have proved that not only this side, but to eliminate terrorism they can go to the other side and attack terrorist hideouts if the need arises. India has that capability, that power,” he added.
No country has the right to comment on India’s internal affairs
The defence Minister said, “China has been doing a lot of infrastructure development in its border areas. India is also developing infrastructure at a fast pace for people at the border and for soldiers there. We are not developing infrastructure to attack any country but for our people. I’d like to say about prime minister of any country that comment shouldn’t be made about India’s internal affairs. India doesn’t require any outside interference. It’s our internal matter. No country has the right to comment on our internal affairs.”
Farmers should talk without expecting ‘yes’ or ‘no’
On the farmers ‘movement, Rajnath Singh said, ” Some forces have tried to create some misperceptions amongst farmers. We have also talked to several farmers. My only request to farmers is that clause-wise discussion based on logic should be done and not seek ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.”
When asked about the farmers being labeled as ‘Naxalites’ and ‘Khalistanis’, the Defense Minister said that these allegations should not be made by anyone aganist the farmers. We express our deep respect for them. Our heads bow in respect towards our farmers. They are our ‘Annadata‘. There is no question of being insensitive as far as the subject of farmers is concerned. Our farmers are holding demonstrations and I am not the only one pained. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pained as well.”