Eye on China, BJP vows to 'protect Indian Ocean Region's interests' in manifesto for LS polls

PM Modi at the unveiling of BJP's Lok Sabha election manifesto in New Delhi

The BJP has promised to expand India's defence footprint across strategic locations and boost dialogue with friendly countries to protect the country's security interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

In its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections, BJP made several pledges to boost India's security interest amid China's expansionist behaviour in the Indian Ocean Region.

"We will expand Bharat’s defence footprint across strategic locations and partner with friendly countries to protect Bharat’s and the Indian Ocean Region’s security interests," the BJP said.

The party also promised to further equip India's armed forces and the Central Armed Police Forces with modern state-of-the-art weapons, equipment and technology to aid the swift disposal of any current and
emerging threats.

In the manifesto, called "Sankalp Patra", the BJP criticised the previous governments for "grossly neglecting" the border areas.

"We have corrected this grave error and started constructing roads, railway, telecom towers, optical fibre cables and electricity networks," it said.

The party promised to further accelerate the development of robust infrastructure along the Indo-China, Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Myanmar borders.

"We will introduce technological solutions on fenced portions to make fencing smarter," the BJP said.

The party also promised to take measures towards strengthening India's digital sovereignty and vowed stringent action against digital entities that threaten the cyber security of its citizens.

"To regulate and monitor India’s cyber protection agencies and infrastructure, we will develop and implement robust cyber security policies," it said.