Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said Pakistan had not learnt lessons from its truce violations [that India will retaliate strongly] and had opened fire on the border even on New Year’s Day.
He was speaking at a function organised by Adamya Chetana, an NGO working in the field of social development managed by Tejaswini, wife of Union Chemical and Fertilizers Minister Ananth Kumar.
In an obvious reference to Pakistan and China, he said: “We are surrounded by two neighbours in the northern boundary and they are not comfortable with us. Pakistan does not like to stay quiet [even] on New Year’s Day. Pakistan forces started firing at 12.30 a.m. Pakistan seems to have not learnt lessons,” Mr. Parrikar said.
“Whenever there is an attempt for infiltration firing starts …we have responded.” The Army would respond appropriately to ceasefire violations on the border, he said.
Asked about defence deals with the U.S., he said big contracts would be signed during President Barack Obama’s visit to India for the Republic Day celebrations.
