Modi rules out full-scale war

• Threats may be known, but the enemy may be invisible
• Pak govt wants peace within and outside borders: Sharif
• PM meets top military chiefs amid tension with China, Pak

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said full scale wars may become rare and military strength will remain an instrument of deterrence.

Addressing the annual combined commanders conference, his first such interaction, he said "force" will influence behaviour of others towards India.

"Full scale wars may become rare, but force will remain an instrument of deterrence and influencing behaviour, and the duration of conflicts will be shorter," Modi said adding, "The threats may be known, but the enemy may be invisible."

The Prime Minister's observation came against the backdrop of recent cross-border violations by Pakistan and tensions on the Line of Control and International Border as well as Chinese incursions in Ladakh.

"Beyond the immediate, we are facing a future where security challenges will be less predictable; situations will evolve and change swiftly; and, technological changes will make responses more difficult to keep pace with," Modi said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said his government wants peace within and outside the country's borders to achieve economic development.

Modi met top military officers at the defence ministry War Room here on Friday, at a time when tension continues along the border with both China and Pakistan.

The Combined Commanders' Conference is the first meeting of the Prime Minister with all top commanders, including the three service chiefs.