Sitharaman says India alert, ready for Doklam

Dehradun, March 26: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that India was "alert" and ready to deal with any "unforeseen situation" in Doklam.

The defence minister, who was on a visit to Uttarakhand for the first time after assuming office, also said that the government is constantly working towards modernisation of forces

“We are alert and ready for any unforeseen situation in Doklam. We are constantly working towards the modernisation of our forces. We will maintain our territorial integrity,” she told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Dehradun to honour families of Armymen, war widows and veterans. resolving the disputes through negotiations. China and India are exploring ways to resolve this territorial dispute through negotiations so that we can arrive at mutually acceptable solution,” she said, referring to the boundary talks between the two countries.

The two sides have so far held 20 rounds of boundary talks.

“Pending final solution both sides should work together to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border area,” she said.

Hua, however, commended Bambawale's comments that India has no concern about China's rise instead regard it as a motivation and China is not a competitor, rival or a threat but a partner in progress.