Addressing a Sainik Sammelan at nearby Tibri Cantonment during his maiden visit to Punjab as a minister in the Vajpayee cabinet, he stressed the need for an ``informed debate'' on the issue of national security. Blaming the opposition for raking up an ``uninformed controversy'', he said it would not only adversely affect the country's security but sag the morale of the jawans guarding the frontiers.

``When the nation continues to face a twin threat of war and terrorism, wrong statements by opposition political parties affect national interests. There should be unity among parties on issues concerning the national security,'' he noted, adding that it was imperative to safeguard the country's unity and territorial integrity.

Commenting on the economic sanctions being imposed by the United States in the aftermath of the tests, Fernandes said there was ``nothing new'' in it for India as ``America has always stood against us (India) during phases of crisis''. He alleged that Washington tried to browbeat India by sending Seventh Fleet during the war of liberation for Bangladesh and was repeating a different pressure tactic after the nuclear tests now.

The Defence Minister said New Delhi's nuclear experiments were made in the nation's interests and not against any country. ``We decided to become a nuclear weapon state in view of the increasing strength of countries in our neighbourhood. We will have to bear with economic sanctions for sometime but we will forge ahead,'' he observed.

Fernandes said though India was adequately equipped with weapons, she had to upgrade the system considering the changing technology in the world.

The minister said his visit to Punjab was mainly aimed at meeting soldiers and to get a first-hand experience of their needs and requirements. ``I have been extensively touring the nation's frontiers because of the firm belief that soldiers' problems cannot be appreciated sitting in Delhi,'' he said.

Fernandes lauded the Army's contributions in quelling terrorism in Punjab, but at the same breath urged for continuous vigilance to guard against its revival. Lt Gen H.B.Kala, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, welcomed the minister.

Jalandhar: Earlier, the defence minister arrived here today to visit the forward area.

Fernandes, who was received by Lt Gen H.B. Kala, Army Commander of Western Command and Lt Gen K. Davar of Vajra Corps at the railway station here, was driven to the headquarters of Vajra Corps. Fernandes met the senior defence and civilian officers at the Corps headquarters here.

Later, he was flown to Tibri to meet the troops stationed there.

The Defence Minister also met troops stationed at Amritsar. He also visited border posts and spoke to the soldiers. The minister interacted with them to have a first hand knowledge of their living conditions and morale. The minister assured men that he would continue to visit the border areas and would spare no effort to improve their living conditions.