Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday said India is offering peace to its "adversary" and, if it is reciprocated in the same manner, there will be peace on the border.
General Rawat also said that Pakistan has recently conveyed through the military channel that it was willing to enforce the ceasefire along the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu & Kashmir.
The newly - installed Army chief, addressing his first annual press conference ahead of Army Day, said: "We told them that the words should be supported by actions on the ground and our army is for peace and tranquility. "
But he made it clear that the ceasefire would not apply for terrorists infiltrating into the Indian side.
"We will fire on infiltrating terrorists and we have conveyed this through our DGMO to the Pakistani side, " he said.
Referring to the impact of the September 29 cross - LoC surgical strikes last year, the Army chief said a message was sent across the border and was properly conveyed.
When asked if there could be another such strike, he said: "Our aim is to ensure peace and tranquillity. "
"It shall not be needed if there is peace, " he observed.
"Our offer to the adversary is if you reciprocate offer of peace in same manner, the need to conduct a surgical strike will not arise, " the Army chief added.
Hello EnglishHello English
