Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently stated that the country was alert and ready for any situation that may arise in Doklam along the Sikkim border. Indian and Chinese forces were locked into a bitter military standoff for over two months last year.
Sitharaman expressed her thoughts on China’s intervention in Doklam and Arunachal Pradesh. She stated, “India is ready to face any situation. We will maintain our territory and integrity at all cost.”
Responding to the debates on lack of funds for modernisation and strengthening of the armed forces, the minister said, “Today, many talks are doing the rounds in the public about the preparedness of our armed forces. I want to clarify that there is no laxity in the preparedness and modernisation of our forces. The government has given all powers to the vice chiefs of the three services (army, navy and air force).”
She further added, “As the defence minister, I want to assure the young cadets that our government is committed to modernise the defence forces. You should be proud to be now part of a world-class force.”
