Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asserted that India is a peace-loving nation but possesses the full capability to decisively address forces threatening its security. He emphasized that the armed forces have been granted complete autonomy to counter terrorism effectively.
Strong Stance on National Security
Speaking at an event after unveiling a statue of Maharana Pratap, Singh stated, “We are people who want peace, but we also know how to permanently silence those who spread disturbance.” He criticized previous Congress-led governments for a soft approach on terrorism, claiming that terror incidents were frequent before 2014.
“Today, our armed forces have full freedom. If there is a terror attack, the terrorists must be eliminated. If crossing the border is necessary to eliminate them, that should also be done,” he said, as reported by news agency PTI.
Remarks on Terrorism and Pakistan
Singh referred to recent terror attacks, including Pulwama and Pahalgam, and India's response. He said the government empowered the armed forces to act wherever necessary. He also reiterated the Centre’s tough stance towards Pakistan, citing the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and warning that India would not allow its resources to benefit a country supporting terrorism.
Tribute to Maharana Pratap
Paying tribute to the 16th-century Mewar ruler, Singh described him as a symbol of courage, self-respect, and national pride. “Maharana Pratap's valour and courage were never dependent on any government or historian. Akbar is gone, the Mughals are gone, and even their descendants have faded into history. But Maharana Pratap continues to live in the hearts of every Indian,” he said.
Singh linked the ruler’s values to the Modi government's governance philosophy, saying the BJP follows “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” and believes in equality and justice for all.
Economic Progress and Manufacturing
Singh highlighted India’s economic progress, noting it is the world’s fastest-growing major economy and an increasingly important manufacturing destination. “iPhones are being manufactured in India and supplied across the world. The India that was disappointed and discouraged before 2014 is now full of hope, energy, confidence and determination,” he said.
He credited the transformation to public trust and government policies, pointing to growth in manufacturing, semiconductor production, and infrastructure. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India's leading mobile phone manufacturing hub, with over half of all phones produced in the country being manufactured there.
Key Achievements of BJP Government
Singh referred to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya as key achievements. “We had promised to remove Article 370 and we did it. We had promised that a grand Ram temple would be built and it has been built in Ayodhya,” he said.
The minister also spoke about India’s growing international stature, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received the highest civilian honors from 32 countries. “This honour is not only for Modiji, but for 140 crore Indians,” Singh said.
He added that the government’s guiding principle remains public trust and national interest. “Power may come and go, but public trust must never be broken. For us, national interest is above politics,” he concluded.
