New Delhi: Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar has thanked the Opposition parties for supporting the surgical strikes carried out by Indian Army commandoes across the Line of Control into Pakistan in response to the Uri attack.
In his first, exclusive interview after the raids on September 29, Parrikar told CNBC-TV18 Managing Editor Shereen Bhan that bipartisanship was very important in matters of national security.
Referring to the recent surgical strike against terrorist launchpads along the Line of Control, Parrikar said that the operation was successful.
"The surgical strike along the LoC was successful and Pakistan is nervous post the covert operation," Parrikar added.
Parrikar also assured everyone that there is nothing to worry as far as security is concerned as India is prepared for any eventuality under the leadership of PM Modi.
"The country and its borders are safe under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Parrikar said.
Recalling his mother's wise words in the context of India's preparedness, Parrikar said that, "My mother always told me if you go into a forest hunting for a rabbit, you have to be prepared for a tiger."
Parrikar also backed Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag's decision to remove the Uri Brigade Commander post the attacks on the army camp and said that there must have been "some lapses" and the chief of Army staff may have wanted to conduct an "impartial" probe over the "possible security lapses".
Talking about India-China relations, Parrikar said that they have better since the NDA government took over.
"Relations with China have been better than how they were during the UPA rule and we only intend to improve them over time. Even the border management with China is much better than the previous governments," Parrikar added.
Parrikar also clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi put in enough efforts to improve ties with Pakistan.
On the Rafale deal with France, Parrikar said that he has the asked the French company to speed up supply.
"Rafale deal will help meet India's air power requirement as Rafale is a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft with inbuilt India specific requirements. Rafale deal also has weapons package including the Dassult that will ensure that 75% of Rafale fleet is ready for operations," Parrikar said.
Speaking about India's recent diplomatic moves to corner Pakistan, Parrikar said that diplomatic activity has given India a lot of impetus on combating terrorism.
"We have been able to put across India's POV on terrorism to international community," Parrikar revealed.
Parrikar added that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has promised support to India's defence requirement should the need arise.
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