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dated December 6, 1958: Defence policy

Explaining India’s Defence policy, Prime Minister Nehru said in the Lok Sabha on December 5 that the principal factor which influenced his Government’s approach was Pakistan’s attitude. While he was personally convinced that there would be no war with Pakistan, Government could not afford to take any risks as Pakistan continued to receive military aid from other countries. India did not propose to be involved in any great war, nor indulge in any offensive action against any country. India would, however, mainly concentrate on defensive measures, he added. Mr. Nehru was replying to a debate on the pattern of military expenditure. There was criticism of the inadequacy of the naval and air power, of the obsolete weapons used by the Indian Defence forces and the lack of civil defence measures. Mr. Nehru ridiculed a suggestion that in the event of an attack India would have to approach the Soviet Union or China or other countries for assistance.

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