"All these ties are temporary and are bound to change as per the global Socio-Economic scenario. The best example of this is the US-Pakistan relations," "We don’t need to worry about these temporary alliances. We need to make our country economically strong,” Army chief Bipin Rawat said

PUNE: Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said here on Sunday that countries which have taken financial aid from China will soon realise that "nothing comes for free".

He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the concluding ceremony of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) "Military Exercise 18" at the Aundh military station.

Speaking in the context of the growing proximity between Nepal and China, Rawat said, "Any country looking for its economic growth is bound to explore bilateral or multilateral ways of cooperation. China has got money and they are splurging it. But the countries taking such aid will soon realise that nothing comes for free. All these ties are temporary and are bound to change as per the change in the global Socio-Economic scenario.

Army chief cautions nations taking financial aid from China 

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said, “The best example of this is the US-Pakistan relations as it has not remained the same what it used to be 70 years ago. As such, we don’t need to worry about these temporary alliances. We need to make our country economically strong.”

Rawat said, “Countries like Nepal and Bhutan will have to be with India due to the geographical conditions which do not favour other countries. India is taking a conscious effort towards developing diplomatic relations with the neighbouring countries. India has been following the motto of ‘neighbourhood first and act east’ and the BIMSTEC is part of it. We are a big country. If we take initiative, other countries will follow suit.”

He said, “China is an emerging economic competitor of India. Both countries are competing with each other in order to establish dominance in the South East Asia region. The economic growth of India will help to reduce the menace of terrorism.”

On illegal migration to India, the Army chief said, “Migration is a global phenomenon. It is not restricted to any particular country. It is taking place within regions and states as people migrate in search of good jobs and better lives. It is happening in Latin America as well. Why do Mexicans migrate to the US? Only for a better life and good jobs.”

Rawat said, “India has taken enough measures to thwart cyber threats. We have a proper system in place to counter cyber threats. The Army is gradually enhancing its capability to counter the future challenges related to the same.”

Nepal’s army troops did not participate in the exercise but the country sent a team of observers. Minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamre said, “There was a change in command in the Nepal army at the time when the exercise commenced but it still sent observers. We should not give room for any speculation.”

The troops of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and India carried out various tactical and technical drills during the week-long exercise. Thailand too had sent its team of observers.