I will be visitingUnited States this week to have wide ranging discussions with policy makers andsenior government officials on matters relating to defense cooperation and alsoissues of immediate concern in the Sub-Continent. Needless to say, India’sviews on the current scenario will figure on the agenda. You would recall thatUS Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld had visited India in November, 2001 andthis visit is at the invitation of US Secretary of Defense. When Mr. Rumsfeldwas here we had wide ranging talks. These related largely to defense andsecurity related issues and provided impetus to defense cooperation between ourtwo countries. The visit had also laid the foundation for the successful meetingof the Defense Policy Group (DPG) in December 2001, after a lapse of four years.
The military to military relationship between the two countries has recentlyseen considerable expansion. In the last one year there has been majorqualitative change in the field of defense cooperation. With the DPG and theforthcoming Executive Steering Groups’ meetings, the cooperation is set tofurther strengthen both in scope and content. A number of joint exercises arealso on the cards.
India and US, the World’s two largest democracies have many shared values.Over the recent years, the perception of each other has changed dramatically andis no longer straight jacketed by cold war thinking. The two countries now arestriving to be partners for ensuring peace, stability, security and prosperityin the Asia Pacific Region.
India was one of the first to pledge its support to the global war on terrorismfollowing the terrorist attack on the US on 11th September, 2001. This pledgewas translated into substantive logistical support for the US forces as well.India has been facing the menace of terrorism for several years. The crossborder terrorism and the sufferings, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir werehighlighted by us at almost all important international fora. However, for along time, and in fact till 11th September, the menace of terrorism was notunderstood in the same way as it is today. The Global Coalition must look at notjust Afghanistan but all other areas where terror has become a matter of concernfor the people at large. You would appreciate that this assumes significanceparticularly when the terror happens to be perpetrated and/or supported byanother country in the neighborhood. It is the constant efforts of India athighlighting these concerns at a global level, that have led finally to not onlythe admission of cross border terrorism but also to a thought process in thedirection of stopping such mindless terrorism.
13th December was a day which will remain etched in the minds of the Indianpeople for all time. This was a day when the terrorists not merelyunsuccessfully attacked the building of the Parliament but struck at everythingthat the Country stands for. The attempt was to liquidate the entire politicalleadership of the nation, be it in Government or Opposition. The attempt wasalso to strike at the root of our secular polity and the values of democracythat India has cherished. There is no way India can accept such acts ofterrorism any more. Terrorism, in whatever form it may manifest will be foughtand defeated. Let me tell you that the thought of having to receive around 20bodies of our soldiers every week-brave men slain in terrorist attacks-hassteeled our resolve to end this terrorism. I would like to make it clear that wehave had enough and shall have no more of it. Peace has been the main plank ofthe Indian mindset, but when pushed to the corner, Indian nationalism in everypatriotic Indian knows how to respond and respond effectively.
It is obvious that during my visit to United States the relationship betweenIndia and Pakistan will also be in focus. The promises made by the PakistaniPresident, General Musharraf have to be translated into action. The Governmentof India has welcomed the statements of President Musharraf. We have had hisword. Now we wait for the deed. India would wait for effective and fullimplementation of whatever measures have been announced by General Musharraf.The ultimate purpose is to end for all times cross border terrorism. Presentlywe have undertaken an intense diplomatic effort in this direction and wish topursue this.
As Defense Minister let me clarify that the build up on the borders pre andpost-December 13 has been a response to the activities on the other side. Indiamust and will defend its territory and the armed forces of the country arecommitted to this task. The entire nation is fed up with the terroristactivities and looks for a permanent solution to this problem. Of course, therehave to be political solutions, but they cannot be brought about through anyform of terrorism. The mobilisation of Indian forces is complete and any effortat de-escalation can come only, I repeat only, if and when the cross borderterrorism is effectively stopped. Things are moving and I hope they move in theright direction and move fast. We are keen to resolve issues peacefully but ifthat does not work we may be left with no option. Our forces are prepared forany eventuality, and I want everyone to know that they are in great spirits andhigh morale.
In International relationships, disputes are bound to be there, but in the timeswe live, they need to be resolved through negotiations. This is what ishappening for resolution of our border disputes with China. And we are makingprogress, howsoever slow it may be. In the meanwhile, there is no conflict onthe ground; and political, economic and cultural relations with China are on theupswing. We wish we have a similar situation with Pakistan also. Let mereiterate the Government of India’s commitment to the bilateral dialogueprocess between India and Pakistan in accordance with the letter and spirit ofthe Shimla Agreement as well as the Lahore declaration. Let no Nation, no matterhow big or small take India for granted. We will do everything that needs to bedone to protect our interests.