The military stand-off with India in the northern sector amid the COVID-19 crisis showed China’s intentions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.
India, China agree to hold next round of military talks on LAC
Mr. Singh, who presided over the Combined Graduation Parade held at Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, around 45 km from Hyderabad, said India believed in solutions for any issue peacefully and through talks.
“We don’t want conflict, but peace. However, we will not tolerate any harm to the country’s self-respect,” Mr. Singh said, while addressing the newly commissioned Flying Officers of the Indian Air Force.
“This is the new India, we are no longer weak. We are capable of answering any transgression, aggression and unilateral action at the border,” he said.
Stating that Pakistan continued its ‘nefarious act’ at the border despite losing four wars, Mr. Singh said, “In the western sector, our neighbour Pakistan is still fighting proxy wars through terror despite losing four wars against us.”
He felicitated the security forces and said they alertly countered these attempts.
The Union Minister said the Balakot airstrike and other episodes in the past had showed that valour of the Indian Air Force.
“The Indian Air Force has a glorious history. It has always displayed gallantry. From the Annexation of Goa in 1961 to Battle of Longewala in 1971 and to the recent Balakot airstrikes, all these episodes will be considered as golden chapters in our country’s history,” he said.
Further, he told the young officers that they were fortunate to be the sentries of one’s country.
“I believe all of you will do justice to your duty,” Mr. Singh said, asking them to prepare for both cyber and air space.
“The war is much beyond traditional borders,” he added.
Earlier, he conferred the ‘President’s Commission’ and presented ‘Wings’ and ‘Brevets’ to the flight cadets who successfully completed flying and navigation training, respectively.
He also awarded ‘Wings’ to officers of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and officers from friendly foreign countries on successful completion of their flying training.
The event was followed by a spellbinding aerobatic display by the SU-30 aircraft, the famous Surya Kiran aerobatic team, Sarang helicopter display team, Pilatus PC-7 trainer and a fly past by formations of PC-7, Kiran and Hawk aircraft.
The current 206th course also happens to be the 100th to pass out from the portals of AFA, which will be celebrating its golden jubilee in 2021.
