India capable of securing its borders, Parrikar responds to Asif's nuke threat
Parrikar's statement comes in response to Asif's warning that Pakistan will use its nuclear weapons if need be
Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar PHOTO: ECONOMIC TIMES
Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday dismissed his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Asif’s statement regarding the use of nuclear weapons and said India is capable of defending its borders.
"An answer to every question is not necessary, I am the defence minister of India not Pakistan and India is capable of securing its borders," Parrikar said.
Parrikar's statement came in response to Khawaja Asif's warning that if needed, Pakistan will use its nuclear weapons. “For the safety and security of the country, the nuclear arsenal that Pakistan holds can be utilised,” Asif had warned.
Read: India helping elements disturbing peace in Balochistan: Asif
Further, refusing to comment on China blocking a proposal in the UN against Pakistan on release of Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Parrikar said, "The matter is related to External Affairs Ministry and the prime minister."
The Indian defence minister also said that cross-border terrorism had “come down”.
Responding to question on the possibility of Myanmar-like strikes, Parrikar refused to comment, saying "such things are secret and cannot be shared.”
Read: Evidence suggests India sponsoring terror in Pakistan: Defence minister
Last month, special forces of the Indian Army had carried out a surgical strike inside Myanmar after rebels had killed 18 soldiers in Manipur. The strike was carried out by commandos in coordination with Myanmarese authorities after receiving specific intelligence.
This article originally appeared on Economic Times
"An answer to every question is not necessary, I am the defence minister of India not Pakistan and India is capable of securing its borders," Parrikar said.
Parrikar's statement came in response to Khawaja Asif's warning that if needed, Pakistan will use its nuclear weapons. “For the safety and security of the country, the nuclear arsenal that Pakistan holds can be utilised,” Asif had warned.
Read: India helping elements disturbing peace in Balochistan: Asif
Further, refusing to comment on China blocking a proposal in the UN against Pakistan on release of Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Parrikar said, "The matter is related to External Affairs Ministry and the prime minister."
The Indian defence minister also said that cross-border terrorism had “come down”.
Responding to question on the possibility of Myanmar-like strikes, Parrikar refused to comment, saying "such things are secret and cannot be shared.”
Read: Evidence suggests India sponsoring terror in Pakistan: Defence minister
Last month, special forces of the Indian Army had carried out a surgical strike inside Myanmar after rebels had killed 18 soldiers in Manipur. The strike was carried out by commandos in coordination with Myanmarese authorities after receiving specific intelligence.
This article originally appeared on Economic Times