New Delhi, Dec 9 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Wednesday reiterated that India is not a soft state but it’s a strong nation.

“We are not a soft state. We are the state, which has earned the respect of the world,” Krishna said in the Lok Sabha, while responding to a question raised by Shiv Sena MP Anant Geete.

Krishna rejected his charge about India being soft on China over the border issue.

“I reject the contention with the contempt it deserves,” he asserted.

Recalling his visit to the US 40 years ago, Krishna, said that there was a sea change in the attitude of the world towards India.

“India is now seen in the world with respect and admiration,” Krishna said.

“We are looked at now with admiration and even subterranean jealousy. That is the kind of new-found confidence we have,” he said.

Rejecting Opposition Party’s claim that the UPA government has been soft on China in the face of its aggressiveness on the border and other issues, Krishna said: “There is a sea change that has come about since 1962. We can’t be browbeaten by anyone.”

He reiterated that India has become a strong nation and is in a position to face any adversary.

“How can you say that our policy towards China is soft? Didn’t the prime minister go to Arunachal Pradesh,” Krishna asked the members.

In his reply, Krishna also reiterated “Arunachal Pradesh is part and parcel of this great country.” (ANI)