Patna: The country is fully prepared to combat any threat by Pakistan be it nuclear, Defence Minister George Fernandes said on October 7.

Fernandes told reporters that the country had an effective retaliatory capability and refused to divulge the country's preparedness to counter the threats of Pakistan.

"I should not divulge the country's preparedness to combat the threat by Pakistan from security point of view," Fernandes said, adding all necessary steps had been taken to protect vital installations like North and South blocks and Parliament.

Asked if the possession of nuke weapons by Pakistan had emboldened the neighbouring country to indulge in adventurism and issuing threats, he said, "There is no immediate threat and the country has the capacity to counter any threats... I can say this much only."

PTI