India's armed forces and paramilitary wings have asked the government for an exemption from the stringent vehicle pollution rules that will kick in from next year, according to multiple officials aware of the development, with some of them saying the waiver is likely to be granted. India skipped stage five after concerns over rapidly rising pollution called for strong steps.

PM Modi said that while India staunchly “believes in peace” and was “committed to taking it forward”, this would “not be at the cost of compromising its self-respect and the sovereignty of our nation”. Recalling the 2016 surgical strikes, he asserted that the Armed Forces would give a befitting reply to any attempt to destroy the atmosphere of peace prevailing in the country.