In a swipe at China, Rajnath says India believes in winning hearts and not land

Amid the ongoing tension with China on the border, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said India is capable of giving a befitting reply in the event of an attack from enemies. 

“India believes in winning hearts and not land,” Singh said in a message to the armed forces on the eve of the Independence Day.

"But it does not mean we will let our self-esteem be hurt," he said.

Indian and Chinese militaries have been in a standoff along the border in eastern Ladakh for over 100 days after Chinese troops intruded into Indian territory in multiple locations. The tension remains between the nuclear-armed neighbours even after several rounds of military-level talks. 

Whatever India does in the realm of national security is always for self-defence and not to attack other countries, the defence minister said.

He said history is a witness to the fact that India never attacked anyone or tried to capture land of another country.

Singh assured the armed forces that government is doing all that is required to maintain their operational requirement.

Singh later took to Twitter to salute the courage of the soldiers. “On the eve of India’s Independence Day, I salute the indomitable courage of the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces who are selflessly serving the nation. Their unmatched courage and patriotism has ensured that our country is safe,” he tweeted.

In another tweet, the minister said the government is leaving no stone unturned to strengthen the armed forces and ensure the welfare of their families and the ex-servicemen.