Even as the two-week old face-off with China continues, Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Tuesday described the current situation in eastern Ladakh as “not one of our creation.’’
India remained committed to a peaceful resolution of the situation, through military and diplomatic dialogue within the framework of agreements for maintaining peace and tranquillity, he reiterated at a Unified Commanders’ Conference here.
He, however, emphasised that the country remained united in its commitment to “taking every possible step to safeguard our interests.’’
India’s bilateral relations with China were, at times, bedevilled by border issues, particularly along the Line of Actual Control. The recent developments were no exception. “Among the various initiatives to safeguard our border, the thrust has been on development of our border roads and Advance Landing Grounds,’’ he said.
Referring to the security situation in Pakistan, he said the capability of the Taliban to strike at will at innocent public and strategic targets was worrisome. “The growing nuclear stock of Pakistan needs to be factored in our overall strategy towards our western neighbour.”
