'Will go to any extent to protect nation'; Centre responds to Pakistan's miltary deployment along border

NEW DELHI: India has reacted strongly to reports that Pakistan has deployed 250 Chinese-made howitzers along the India-Pakistan border. The Centre said it will go to any extent necessary to protect the country's security and national interests.

Speaking at a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's position on cross-border terrorism remains unchanged and that the armed forces are fully prepared to safeguard the country.

"We remain firm in our stand against cross-border terrorism. Our armed forces are fully prepared to protect the nation's security and interests," Jaiswal said.

The howitzers reportedly deployed by Pakistan are the SH-15 155 mm self-propelled howitzers manufactured by Chinese defence company NORINCO. These long-range artillery systems have reportedly been positioned in the Gujranwala, Sialkot, Jalalpur and Jatwal sectors along Pakistan's eastern border.

Meanwhile, reports said India has also accelerated efforts to modernise its defence capabilities while strengthening border security. The Centre has maintained that it will continue taking all necessary steps to preserve the military balance in the region.

The Indian Army has already inducted advanced artillery systems, including the M777 ultra-light howitzer, K-9 Vajra, the indigenously developed Dhanush artillery gun, and the upcoming ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) to further strengthen its firepower.