Asserting that the Armed forces reflect the country's firm resove to defend the Nation, President Ram Nath Kovind today in Sulur airbase said India would use its might to protect its sovereignty if the need arises. Speaking after presenting the Presidential Colours to to Air Force Station, Hakimpet, and 5 Base Repair Depot at the Air Force Station, Sulur, Kovind, referring to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers were martyred and the subsequent air strikes to demolish JeM terror base in Pakistan, said India was firmly committed to peace.

'But if the need arises, it will use its might to protect the country's sovereignty', he added. Exuding confidence that India's valiant uniformed men and women could rise to the occasion, Kovind said 'our Armed Forces, exemplified by the air warriors, who stand before us, reflect our firm resolve to defend our Nation.' 'This valour and professionalism was on display very recently, as the IAF carried out pre-emptive strikes on a known terrorist camp', the President said, referring to the recent strikes at Balakot in Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama accident.

observing that the IAF has also been in the forefront of  all humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, besides safeguarding the sovereign skies of the nation, Kovind said 'the resilience and tenacity displayed by our valiant air warriors is a great source of pride for  the nation'.