Bengaluru: In a veiled attack on China over the standoff in Eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said India is prepared to defend the territorial integrity at all costs.

“We have long witnessed unfortunate attempts to employ force to change the status quo along our unresolved borders. India is vigilant and prepared to counter and defeat any misadventure to defend our people and the territorial integrity at all costs,” said Singh during the Aero India show in Bengaluru.

Calling terrorism a global threat, the Union minister spoke about the challenges faced by India from multiple fronts. “India also faces threats and challenges emanating from multiple fronts. India is a victim of state-sponsored and state inflicted terrorism, which is now a global threat,” said Singh.

Hailing the Aero India 2021 event, the Defence Minister said that the event displays the vast potential of the country and promises to be the world's first-ever hybrid aero and defence exhibition.

"The Aero India 21 will display the vast potential of India, and the multifarious opportunities that our country offers in the field of defence and aerospace sector. It also promises to be the world's first-ever hybrid aero and defence exhibition," he said.

As the event is taking place during the coronavirus pandemic, he said: "Despite the constraints caused by the global pandemic, I am pleased to see such a large number of participants in this year's event. It is coming from the world's leading nations in the field of military and aviation."

The defence minister thanked his counterparts from Maldives, Ukraine, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Comoros and Madagascar for joining the show in person, and also those who joined it virtually.