Zero tolerance to error in defence: Manohar Parrikar

Says the biggest defence is to be strong

Promising a "lot of things", Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today outlined a multi-pronged approach of a non-offensive but strong India while making it clear that there will be "zero tolerance to error" in defence-related issues.

"One thing I will promise. I have being given a task. I will see that my task of strengthening India, the position where people should not dare see eye to eye with India... We don't intend to be offensive," Parrikar said addressing Navy personnel at the inauguration of the Information Management and Analysis centre (IMAC) of Navy here.

He said India has not ruled any other country which he said was "probably unique to India and probably to some extent to China".

"Even in Ramayana, when Lord Rama went to Lanka he did not rule it. He gave it to Vibhishan to rule it. This nation does not have the history of ruling other countries," he said, adding, the country cannot be weak.

Parrikar said the biggest defence is to be strong.

"I promise the task given to me, I will fulfill...You can expect lot of things," he said.

Asked what was the specific task given to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Parrikar said, "defence is one field which requires a lot of secrecy," but added that the outcome of the task is to assure that the defence sector gets its due and becomes a cohesive strong force making India self- sufficient.

"Energy security and your own security cannot be dependent on others. You can't depend on some foreign countries for all your procurements," he said.

Parrikar noted that defence equipments are purchased for a period of 20-30 years.

"You can't suddenly find yourself trapped in a condition that the party which has supplied you the material faces some blockade or some sanctions for supply to conflict zone," he said.

Parrikar praised the IMAC and said he appreciates the "quick and fast delivery" of system because he thinks it should ensure "99.99 per cent" against incidents like the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks by earlier detection.

He underlined that there should be "zero tolerance to error".