Amid global fears that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal may fall into the hands of terrorists, Army Chief Gen VK Singh says concern remains over this aspect but he feels these weapons are secure.
“Probably Pakistan also has (such concerns) and they are taking extra measures….I don’t think, there is any reason to say things are not secure. Things are secure,” the army chief told media in an interview.
He, however, added that this will remain a concern given “the way internal dynamics (of Pakistan) are”.
Gen Singh recently raised hackles in Pakistan which had criticised him for his comments that Pakistan and China are “major irritants” and India was ready to fight a conventional warfare in a nuclear scenario.
Rejecting Pakistan’s contention that his recent comments were “jingoistic”, he said such views were not only his but of the entire world.
“I only said what the whole world is saying. If the whole world is jingoistic…,” Gen Singh said.
The army chief noted that both Pakistan and China were nuclear armed countries and “who uses (such weapons), we don’t know. As armed forces, we should always keep this in mind that there is somebody who can use it.”
Elaborating on his contention, he pointed out that Pakistan has done “sabre-rattling” on behalf of nuclear weapons and “we, as a force, are prepared to fight anytime.”
Turning to China, he said the borders are calm and confidence building measures are in place and “things are not as bad as we look at the western side (Pakistan).”
He, however, said no one knows “when its intention will change” and “it remains a cause of worry”.
Commenting on China’s capability building, Gen Singh said it is engaging a lot of India’s neighbours and it impacts “our overall security scenario”.
Assuring the nation, he asserted that the armed forces will cater to any kind of threat. “We have built capabilities and we are building capabilities. We should be able to meet threat from wherever it emanates.”
