On India’s response to cross-border terrorism, Minister’s Uri, Balakot reminders

S Jaishankar delivering the Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru Memorial Lecture

New Delhi:

Calling national security a complex calculation in today’s times, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India’s response to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan through Chinese intrusions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its brutal responses in Uri and Balakot. Poured.

In 2016, India carried out surgical strikes against terrorist cells in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to an attack on an army base in Uri, Kashmir. In 2019, following the Pulwama attack – in which more than 40 Indian soldiers were killed – the Indian Air Force conducted air strikes against Pakistani terror camps in Balakot.

The Minister was delivering the Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru Memorial Lecture 2024 on the topic ‘India and the World’ at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Convention Centre.

Addressing the event on Monday, Mr Jaishankar said, “National security calculations have become much more complex. Traditional methods of competition and pressure have been bolstered by new tools of influence and disruption. Here too, India has shown determination And have pushed back with patience.” ,

Noting that India has worked on developing border infrastructure, the minister said this was an aspect that had been “neglected for a long time”. He said India’s response to cross-border terrorism was seen in the Uri and Balakot episodes.

“When we were challenged along the LAC with China amid COVID, prompt and effective counter-deployment was the appropriate response. Efforts are being made to address the long-standing neglect of border infrastructure. We have “has made the defense more effective.” ,” Mr Jaishankar said.

He said, “When it comes to the Indo-Pacific, on the biggest stage, we stood firm on our decision to establish and advance the Quad. On the western front, the long-standing challenge of cross-border terrorism There is a more appropriate response now.” , Believe me, Uri and Balakot have sent their message.”

Apart from this, the Minister said that while ‘India’ will not shy away from answering questions, it also has the courage to question those who ask questions.

“Economically, India’s answer lies in greater self-reliance. Politically, a more authentic and vested representation that will counter the propaganda that favors and denigrates compliance. India will never shy away from questions, but equally “Questioners also have the courage to raise questions in India,” he said.

Mr Jaishankar also highlighted how India is sticking to its stance of buying cheaper oil from Russia for its domestic interests to counter Western pressure.

He further said, “The world now looks more volatile and uncertain, demanding independent and confident thinking from us. We have already seen this when it comes to our energy procurement choices. India has resisted international pressure. chose the interests of its domestic consumers.”

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