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India not in arms race, asserts Vajpayee
New Delhi, Oct 12: Asserting India`s military preparedness was purely for self-defence, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today charged Pakistan with acquiring weapons and blaming New Delhi for triggering off an arms race in the sub-continent.
New Delhi, Oct 12: Asserting India's military preparedness was purely for self-defence, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today charged Pakistan with acquiring weapons and blaming New Delhi for triggering off an arms race in the sub-continent.
"Whatever steps India has been taking, it is for self-defence. We are not in any arms race with anybody. Those who are themselves acquiring weapons are blaming us," Vajpayee told reporters here on his return from an eight-day visit to Indonesia and Thailand.
He was responding to a question on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's recent statement accusing India of triggering off an arms race in South Asia.
Asked about the achievements of the NDA government which has completed four years, Vajpayee said, "To assess our performance is the job of the people and the media is also involved in it. Four years have passed and that is sufficient. It is itself important that a coalition government has completed four years." "Because there has been a feeling that if at all a coalition government is formed, it will not run for long," he said.
On the allegations levelled by former UP Chief Minister Mayawati against his family members, the Prime Minister merely said, "I have already expressed sadness on that statement."
Refuting opposition charges of government interference in the functioning of CBI, he categorically stated, "The government does not interfere in the functioning of CBI." To a question whether Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, who has been chargesheeted by the CBI in a forgery case, should resign, he said, "It is upto his inner conscience and what ideals the Congress wants to establish."
Bureau Report
"Whatever steps India has been taking, it is for self-defence. We are not in any arms race with anybody. Those who are themselves acquiring weapons are blaming us," Vajpayee told reporters here on his return from an eight-day visit to Indonesia and Thailand.
He was responding to a question on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's recent statement accusing India of triggering off an arms race in South Asia.
Asked about the achievements of the NDA government which has completed four years, Vajpayee said, "To assess our performance is the job of the people and the media is also involved in it. Four years have passed and that is sufficient. It is itself important that a coalition government has completed four years." "Because there has been a feeling that if at all a coalition government is formed, it will not run for long," he said.
On the allegations levelled by former UP Chief Minister Mayawati against his family members, the Prime Minister merely said, "I have already expressed sadness on that statement."
Refuting opposition charges of government interference in the functioning of CBI, he categorically stated, "The government does not interfere in the functioning of CBI." To a question whether Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, who has been chargesheeted by the CBI in a forgery case, should resign, he said, "It is upto his inner conscience and what ideals the Congress wants to establish."
Bureau Report