Sitharaman said terror and talks cannot go on hand-in-hand. Sitharaman said Indian Army was consulted before announcement of ceasefire in Kashmir. Sitharaman also said there is no scandal in Rafale

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reiterated the government's stand that the deal to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets from France is scam free.

The defence minister addressed a press conference today where she answered questions on number of issues.

Here's what she said:

On Kashmir Ceasefire

"The Indian Army was consulted before the announcement of ceasefire in Kashmir. But the Army was given the right to respond while honouring the ceasefire. It is our business to guard the border. There is a room left for responding once we are attacked."

On Talks With Pakistan

"Terror and talks cannot go on hand-in-hand, that's what minister for external affairs Sushma Swaraj has also said."

On forces reeling under severe shortage of funds

"Highest capital expenditure took place on 2017-18 when compared it to last ten years."

"In 2013-14 capital outlays on defence services was Rs 86,740 crore, but ultimately Rs 79,125 crore was used. When In 2015-16 it was Rs 94,588 crore, expenditure was Rs 79,958 crore. In 2016-17, Rs 86,340 crore, expenditure was Rs 86,370 crore. In 2017-18, it was Rs 86488 crore, expenditure was Rs 94,460 crore. Highest expenditure was in 2017-18."

On S-400 deal with Russia impacting relations with US

"We have very clearly explained that how India and Russia relations have been for long. We have continuous relations with Russia. This has been explained. Sanction cannot effect relations with Russia. We have reached a final stage in S-400 negotiations."

On Rafale Deal

"There is no scandal in Rafale."

On Doklam

"The MEA has explained its position in Parliament. As regards to relationship with China, you have seen the PM going there, so things are going on track."

Niramala Sitharaman's press meet began with paying tributes and observing one minute silence to Air Commodore Sanjay Chauhan who died in Jaguar crash near Jamnagar today.