Rajnath Singh warns: Whoever provokes us won't be spared

Highlights of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's interview with ANI Editor Smita Prakash where he delved on issues ranging from the standoff along the China border to anti-conversion law in UP to the farmers' protest near Delhi against the Centre's new farm laws.

First Published Dec 30, 2020, 8:57 AM IST

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has made it clear that while India may be a soft power, the nation will not compromise with its prestige and self-respect.

In an interview with ANI Editor Smita Prakash, Rajnath Singh delved on issues ranging from the standoff along the China border to anti-conversion law in UP to the farmers' protest near Delhi against the Centre's new farm laws.

Here are the highlights:

"India and China talks have been on at diplomatic and military levels. Status quo prevails at the Line of Actual Control. Our deployment at the LAC will not reduce."

"India wants peace. India believes in global peace. If any nation is expansionist and wants to grab Indian territory, India is capable enough to ensure that won't happen."

"Experts may have their opinion. I can say for sure that the way our Forces have withstood the pressure and have displayed their bravery along the LAC, India is capable enough to meet any challenge at the border."

"Our forces have not let down the nation (in the wake of the LAC flare-up)."

"India and China have had perceptional differences over the border. This should have rectified earlier. China has been developing infrastructure for a long time. But that's not the case that India is not doing the same. Our infrastructure development is not to wage a war in any country."

"Whoever provokes us won't be spared."

"Ever since Pakistan came into existence, it has had a history of provocations. India now is capable of acting against out cross-border terrorism. And it has shown that."

"All nations have their means to tackle cyberwar and hybrid war. India too is doing all it can to deal with such threats."

"We are a soft State, but nobody can hurt our pride. We will not remain quiet if somebody hurts our pride. No matter what the cost."

"Don't want to blame anyone or any government with regard to national security. Every government has done its bit to safeguard national security."

"No question of the BJP being insensitive about farmers. The new farm laws have been made keeping in mind the farmers' interests. India will prosper when its farmers prosper."

"Prime Minister Modi has said time and again said that MSP will not be affected. We are all saying it. There's no need to give it in writing."

"Farmers should have a clause-wise discussion on the three farm laws. If there is any clause that is not in their interest, we will rectify it."

"I appeal to farmers to at least try and use these farm laws for a couple of years and see if they work for you. If they are not in your interests, get back to us."

"It is wrong to label farmers as Naxals or Khalistanis or terrorists. Whoever is doing so, it is wrong. Farmers are the backbone of the country."

"No other country needs to comment on internal matters of India. No other country has the right to do so."

"Prime Minister is not a person, but an institution. Maintaining the dignity of the institution is not just the responsibility of the ruling party but also the opposition."