Chennai/IBNS: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday highlighted India's "strong and firm" response to China, which tried to unilaterally change the status quo on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in May 2020.

Speaking at the Tughlaq's 53rd Annual Day Function, Jaishankar said, "On the Northern borders, China is seeking to change the status quo by bringing large forces, violating our agreements. Despite Covid, remember, this happened in May 2020. Our counter-response was strong and firm."

He said the Indian forces deployed along the border continue to safeguard the frontiers in the most extreme and harshest weather conditions.

"These troops deployed in thousands, safeguard our frontiers in the most extreme terrain and harshest weather," he added.

Stating India's importance to the world now, Jaishankar said the world saw in India's response to China that it is "a nation that will not be coerced and will do what it takes to ensure its national security".

He also emphasised the geopolitical significance and geostrategic location of India.

"In India's case, geography has added to the case made by the history of its relevance. The Indian peninsula has a visible centrality to the ocean named after it, and there is a continental dimension as well. Without our active participation, no trans-Asia connectivity initiative can really take off. The Indian Ocean is poised to assume even greater geopolitical significance today. How well India leverages its location is a considerable part of its relevance to the world. The more it influences and participates, the more its global stocks will rise," he said.