I don't call it infiltration. It is an invasion, though not necessarily in its classical form. It is obvious for Pakistan to say that the Mujahideen or Afghans are involved in this conflict. The truth is that about 60 to 80 per cent of them are Pak Army regulars. By invading our territory, Pakistan is trying to re-establish itself in Kashmir. Clearly, the aim is to alter the LoC and threaten our strategic interests in the area.

I don't think Pakistan expected such a swift and strong response from India. Committing combat air power has been a timely decision and it has inflicted a lot of damage on the enemy. The Air Force is operating under severe restrictions while carrying out its missions so close to the LoC.

The modernisation of our armed forces hassuffered in the past 10 to 15 years because of inadequate funding. India has the lowest defence allocation in the world in terms of its GDP. Yet, our armed forces have the responsibility to ensure territorial integrity of a nearly 4,000-km border and an equally vast coastline. We must invest and update our technology.

Certainly, we should give a chance to diplomatic initiatives to succeed, but we must also militarily punish the aggressor to ensure that such reckless adventures are not tried out in future. In any case, there is a lesson to be learnt from the Kargil intrusion: don't lower your guard and don't take anything for granted.

(As told to Hitender Rao)