External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, has stated that cross-border terrorism against India will be met with a strong response from the country, as it is now a "different India."

He emphasised that India is capable of addressing its national security concerns posed by Pakistan and China.

During a recent speech, addressing the Indian community on 12 April, EAM Jaishankar highlighted India's determination to protect its borders and citizens in the face of national security challenges.

He said: "Today, people see a different India that is willing to stand up and India which will meet its national security challenges whether it is Uri or whether it is Balakot."

"Today, the forces which indulged in cross-border terrorism against India for decades and which India tolerated, they now know this is a different India and this India will give them a reply," External Affairs Minister said.

He discussed about the challenges on the border with China and said: "For the last three years, in violation of the agreements, the Chinese have brought large forces."

He stated that the Indian military is facing challenging terrain and extreme elevations in deployment. However, he said that this "situation is different from the past as Indian soldiers now have the full backing, they have the right equipment and the infrastructure."

"This is a different India which will stand up for its interests and the world will recognise that," he said adding "it is a more independent India."

He asserted that, today, India cannot be pressurised by countries dictating where it should purchase its oil. "This an India which will do what is in the interest of its citizens, its consumers," he said.

For six consecutive months, Russia has remained India's biggest supplier of crude oil, accounting for over one-third of all oil imports.