‘At LAC, we’re defensive, not offensive’

As NDA govt completes 2 years in power, Ajay Banerjee talks to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the nation’s future plans and readiness on security front

After assuming charge as the Defence Minister in Nov 2014, how difficult it has been to balance military ties with the US, Russia, China and Japan?

If you have an autonomous independent decision-making ability and do not enter the campus (camps or groups), you can maintain good relations with all four.

Russia had made public its disappointment over deepening India-US relations.

Those are just media reports. Maybe the disappointment was aired during the previous government. This government has maintained balanced relationship with all countries. No one needs to fear unnecessarily.

Is India thinking of following the US-style theatre military commands?

I have been talking on this for the past one year. It’s wise to debate for people to start finding options.

What progress has been made on maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control with China?

The border issue will be resolved when both sides will have confidence in each other. It will take some time. A beginning has been made.

Amid peace talks, China is building up a Tibetan military command and we are raising a mountain strike Corps. Is there dichotomy in this?

I don’t think so. Even the best of friends have some border patrolling. We are not making aggressive postures. We are building up military position as a defensive mechanism, not as an offensive mechanism. We are not adding anything.

Will the Logistics Support Agreement (Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement) be signed during the PM’s visit to the US in June?

I don’t link it with the PM’s visit. If it happens, it will be good. We are trying. A draft has been exchanged and I will receive the file in a day or two. Minor issues remain but we are close to an understanding.

Have you taken any steps to address the shortage of fighter jets in the IAF?

We will not allow any major dip (in squadron strength, which is now at 34 squadrons of 16-18 planes each against the needed 42). The Design and Development contract for the fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) with Russia will be signed soon. It will take 8-10 years. Three squadrons of Sukhoi will reach India. It will be followed by the Tejas and French-origin Rafale.

You have cracked down on AgustaWestland. Its mother company Finmeccanica is in the race for other bids in India.

We will have to ask for fresh tenders in all such cases. Can’t help it. We have to thank the Congress for this situation. We can opt for a direct government-to-government deal if the national security is affected. But it cannot be a general decision. I will not allow blacklisting at the cost of national security.

Is the ministry being bifurcated for a separate procurement cell?

A specific cell will be created comprising experts to take care of the acquisitions. It will be within the Defence Ministry, but won’t be an integral part of it. They can do their own work and give an outcome.

What is your vision for the next three years?

To have a very fit, effective and properly equipped force. I am trying to ensure that it happens.

What has been your toughest moment so far?

The decision to hit back after 18 soldiers of the 6 Dogra regiment were ambushed in Manipur. The decision was not tough, but its execution was.