Patna, Oct 07: India is fully prepared to combat any threat by Pakistan and it has the retaliatory capability, Defence Minister George Fernandes said today. The country has an effective retaliatory capability, Fernandes told reporters here, but refused to divulge India's preparedness to counter the threat of Pakistan.

"I should not divulge the country's preparedness to combat the threat by Pakistan from security point of view," Fernandes said, adding all necessary steps had been taken to protect vital installations like North and South Blocks and Parliament. Asked if the possession of nuke weapons by Pakistan had emboldened the neighbouring country to indulge in adventurism and issuing threats, he said "there is no immediate threat and the country has the capacity to counter any threat... I can say this much only."

Bureau Report