His comments came nine days after Pakistani terrorists attacked an air force base in Punjab’s Pathankot, leaving seven soldiers dead. India has linked proposed bilateral talks to action taken by Islamabad to hunt down the Jaishe-Mohammed militants involved in the attack.

“How, when and place should be of your choice but if someone is harming this country, then that particular individual or organisation, I purposely used the words individual and organisation, should also receive the pain of such activities,” the minister said at the seminar where top officers, including army chief General Dalbir Singh, were present.

“Basic principle is that until we give them pain, whoever they may be, until then, such incidents will not reduce.” The minister did not refer to the Pathankot attack but said the country was proud of its seven soldiers who laid down their lives but added that he was pained by the loss. “The aim should be taking life, not giving. Sacrifice is respected… But what nation needs is that you neutralise your enemy, the nation’s enemy.”

Asked if that meant a change in policy from the previous UPA government, Parrikar retorted, “If someone comes and hammers you, you should keep quite? Was that the policy?” The Congress, meanwhile, asked the government to make public all details related to the Pathankot attack. “What are the actionable proofs and evidences that they have given to Pakistan? Has Pakistan acted on these evidences and to what extent? Is the government satisfied with Pakistan’s actions?” asked party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi.