Search the Internet          Tips

India's conditions non-negotiable: Fernandes

Defence Minister George Fernandes on Thursday categorically denied that there was any pressure on India to give up the military option against Pakistan.

Talking to rediff.com in Bangalore, Fernandes said there was no question of military de-escalation till Pakistan ended cross-border terrorism and handed over the 20 terrorists and criminals sought by India.

"The pressure is more on Pakistan to check infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir and put an end to cross-border terrorism. We have made our stand very clear to all those countries asking us to exercise restraint. It is now up to them to ensure that the menace stops," he said.

"The Indian conditions for lowering the tension between the two countries are not negotiable. Pakistan has to end cross-border terrorism and hand over the 20 criminals we have asked for. Till then we have a problem in hand that we need to resolve. We have not put a timeframe as of now. We have to wait and see how Pakistan responds to these two conditions set by the Indian government," Fernandes stated.

When asked how significant was the forthcoming visit of US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to New Delhi, Fernandes said he had no personal knowledge of their agenda.

Even if there was pressure from these two leaders to give up the military option, India would not abide by it, he said.

"They are coming for talks with the Indian government. Both of them are important leaders. We have to find out what their feedback is from Pakistan. As far as India is concerned, incursions have not stopped yet," the defence minister said.

Fernandes said that the travel advisory issued by the US and countries asking their nationals to leave India was uncalled for.

"Isn't it ironical that while their nationals are being asked to leave India, their own leaders are rushing every week to the subcontinent for discussions and defusing the tension?" he asked.

Fernandes said he felt that the panic call would harm India's interests, as foreign direct investments would be affected.

"I have no idea what is the motive behind causing such panic as the fear of nuclear conflict, perpetrated by other countries, is unthinkable. These fears are being raised only to harm the Indian economy and keep prospective investors away from our country," he said.

Terrorism Strikes in Jammu: The complete coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report