China tried to intrude but we responded: Union minister Nitin Gadkari

Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday that China tried to intrude into Indian territory but India "responded" to it. BJP leader was addressing a virtual rally of party workers in Western Maharashtra from Nagpur through video link.

"We kw that our borders are t safe. China, in a way tried to intrude on our border but we responded to it," he said, referring to stand-off in Galwan valley in Ladakh.

"If anyone is coming to our borders and trying to encroach on our land, we will give m a befitting reply. We will empower and strengn this country furr so that one can take steps against us," he said.

"We ( NDA government) brought in several reforms in defence sector. We do t want to attack anyone but we should be equipped and ready to defend ourselves," Gadkari said.

"Since days of late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Indian government has always tried to maintain cordial relations with neighbouring countries," he said.

"India is t expansionist," Union minister added. "India never tried to take a single (square) foot of land (even) from a small country like Bhutan. It was Indian government that fought for and liberated Bangladesh but we did t grab ir land," he said.

"We liberated country, ensured that a government was formed re and we came back. Our policy towards neighbouring states is just, cordial and cooperative," Gadkari said.

(Photo Credit: PTI)