New Delhi: India considered using its military might against terrorists operating from Pakistani soil as the year, which also saw the Navy flexing its muscles in the international waters to check piracy, came to a close.

Though Prime Minister Manmohan Singh categorically stated that India did not want a war with Pakistan, the government had looked at the military option in the wake of the November 26 Mumbai terror attacks.

As the armed forces geared up along the western borders and the Line of Control, the Navy projected its strength when it went pro-active against the audacious pirates off Somali coast in November.

The Navy's sinking of a pirate vessel sent out a strong message to the world of India s resolve to root out the menace that has threatened sea lanes vital for global trade.

A government decision on October 23 gave powers to the Navy to act against the sea bandits, who had hijacked over 100 ships this year, and in the two months since then, the warships have successfully repulsed three attacks on merchant vessels and nabbed 23 pirates.

The IAF, on its part, showcased it strategic reach by flying Su-30 MKI air superiority fighter jets and IL-78 air-to-air refuellers to NATO air exercise Red Flag in the US to pit its pilots and machines against air forces of the US, France and South Korea in September, and came out with flying colours.
Source : PTI