The President, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Wednesday said that a strong defence and effective deterrence are essential to preserve peace and no nation can prosper without its borders being secure. Presenting the President's Standards to 44 Squadron and 110 Helicopter Unit at a function in Bagdogra near Siliguri on Wednesday, the President said, though as a nation India is committed to peace, it will not hesitate to use all its might to safeguard the sovereignty of the nation. She expressed her confidence that Indian armed forces will form a fortified wall against the adversary and keep the Indian flag flying high. Commending the role of the Indian Air Force, she said, it has been extending yeomen services whenever called upon.