Govt should take strategic view of activities in PoK: Doval

Government needs to take strategic view and congnisance of the ongoing activities by China and Pakistan in the PoK and be prepared for possible consequences, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said today.

According to him, there are reports that there have been some construction work including roads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"We have got to see its consequences particularly if it is passing through areas which are in PoK which is close to our border and actually that is our own territory. We should take it up and I think we have taken it up from time to time with China and Pakistan.

"And it is matter of which strategic view and strategic cognisance needs to be taken and I think Government should prepare itself for possible consequences," he said at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.

The top intelligence official said economic growth of the country is key to be a secure nation.

"If India rises at the rate of say nine per cent or eight per cent of economic growth, India is totally safe. A country which has got such a huge market, which has got such a vast economic capabilities provides an opportunity. You will have international clout and it will be in the vested interests of the world to see that India is protected," he said.

He said the economic growth will also mean that there will be spare-able surplus for providing resources for defence forces, upgrading police forces, its technological development, for research and development works because of available funds and resources available.

"A strong economy is the surest thing to securing the country. We have to sustain very high economic growth rate," he said.