The admiral was talking to newsmen after reviewing the passing out parade of the 96th course of National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasala here on Friday.

Replying to question on Pakistan's claim of nuclearising their Navy, he said ``Pakistan has the habit of making, saying and doing strange things. But as a most modern Navy, Indian Navy was equipped to survive a naval strike of any magnitude. Our units can survive a nuclear strike and can transit through a nuclear fallout and also repulse them.''

He said India's armed forces including the Army, Navy and Air Force is prepared to meet any eventuality in view of the developments in the border.

Asked whether he forsees escalation of the tension in the border, the admiral said ``One cannot know what is in their (Pakistan's) mind, we haveto be prepared and we are prepared.''

He said ``We have started reconstruction of the Project 17 frigates and Project 75 submarines.''

Sushil Kumar said the intrusion by the infiltrators in Kargil, Batalik and other border areas was a clear cut aggression by Pakistan and the armed forces have been given clear instructions to repulse them.

Earlier, he reviewed the passing out parade of the 96th Course at NDA, where 283 cadets passed out after having successfully completed their training.

Addressing the cadets, Kumar said ``What is happening in the border areas could be the challenges which you may have to face in future. I am sure you will face these challenges boldly.''

He exhorted them to remember that the duty of a soldier is ``service before self'' and that they should always keep the honour of the country.

The NDA has the unique distinction of being one of the two institutions in the world conducting combined training of Army, Navy and Air Force cadets. To date, about 25,000 cadets have passedout of the academy including 1,200 cadets from friendly foreign countries.y