NEW DELHI, Jan 2 (IANS): India is committed to peace but will give a "befitting reply" to terror, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday after a terror attack at a frontline base in northern Punjab.
Singh said the nation wants good and friendly relations with every country, including Pakistan.
"Pakistan is our neighbour, we want peace, but any terror attack on India will get a befitting response," he said.
Commending the quick and appropriate action by Indian security forces at the Pathankot Air Force Base, the home minister said that it might have turned out to be worse had it not been for the quick action by security personnel.
"It could have been worse. I congratulate my security forces for their valour and the way they tackled the terrorists," he said.
However, he refused to give any figures regarding the casualties suffered by India.
"I cannot cite any figures because the operation has not ended as yet. It would not be appropriate to comment on it before the operation is over," he said.
Police sources said that at least two IAF security personnel were killed and four terrorists were killed in the terror attack.
Brushing aside the criticism by some Congress leaders, the home minister said the opposition's job was to raise questions but the government's policy was clear.
"Let them (opposition) say whatever they like, but our policy is clear. We want peace. But we would not tolerate any terrorist activity on our soil and would give a befitting response," Singh said.