New Delhi, April 15
As Defence Minister George Fernandes today ruled out a review of the deployment of forces along the border, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy, said the armed forces were determined and ready to respond “in a sensible way” to any challenge from across the border.

Ruling out the review, the Defence Minister again asserted that Pakistan first had to address India’s security concerns and that “India does not want Pakistan to die but to thrive”.

“How can we review the deployment ?... It will remain as long as Pakistan does not address our security concerns,” he said while talking to reporters after inaugurating the Air Force Commanders’ Conference here.

Asked if infiltration was still taking place in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Fernandes said, “Now that the snow is going to melt ... we will have to look for people who try to infiltrate so that they can be despatched (back).”

On Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s recent statement that his country could use nuclear weapons in the event of a war with India, the Defence Minister said, “I would choose not to say much, but it is certainly a sign of desperation.”

He said, “We don’t want Pakistan to die ... We want Pakistan to thrive. If he (Musharraf) has some other ideas, what can we do?”

Regarding his just-concluded visit to Russia, Mr Fernandes clarified that it had nothing to do with the deployment on the border. Whatever was needed by the armed forces was being made available to them. “I did not go to Russia to discuss anything about deployment or for any equipment.” He said he had gone to discuss the availability of spares and other pending defence deals.

Asked if any decision had been taken on the deal for aircraft carrier “Admiral Gorshkov”, he said, “We have to take up price negotiation discussions. The technical report on “Admiral Gorshkov” has already been received.”

On the T-90 tanks, the minister said these were in various stages of construction and he did not visualise any delay in their being made available to India.

He said Russia had decided to set up some of its shops in India for joint production of spares. “We have taken a decision to monitor procurement of spares on a regular basis with certain people dedicated to monitoring.”

On the progress in the production of the fifth generation aircraft and the multi-range medium aircraft, Mr Fernandes said the Russian premier had agreed with him that the two countries must move forward in giving shape to these two proposals.

Air Chief Marshal Krishnaswamy said, “We are absolutely determined...our militarymen are focused...our navigators are geared to go.”

The Air Chief made it clear that the deployment in the border was not just symbolic. “We are not there for any show but for business...If called upon, we will do what is expected of us.”

On reports that the troops who were deployed on the border were now being allowed to go on leave, he said leave was being sanctioned on “compassionate grounds” without making any compromise on “operational capability”. He said the leave would have to be regularised.

He said the commanders’ conference had been called to assess the current state of deployment, operational preparedness and efficiency of the force.

He said Defence Minister George Fernandes had assured full support of the government to the Air Force in meeting its requirements.

Mr Fernandes also said a decision on procuring Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) for the Air Force would be taken soon, but indicated that certain elements were taking undue interest in the deal.

India has been negotiating with Britain, France and a few other countries for AJTs.