India's Defence Forces Empowered to Strike Back Decisively, Says Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's armed forces have been given both the freedom and the resources to respond decisively to any threat, including striking adversaries within their own territory. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, he asserted that attempts to undermine India's security have been met with firm responses on all fronts.

Singh detailed how efforts to mislead youth in Jammu & Kashmir, fund anti-India activities, and spread violence have been countered through rehabilitation, de-radicalisation, and the creation of new economic opportunities. He noted that the region has seen unprecedented progress since the abrogation of Article 370.

He reiterated India's commitment to peace but drew a clear distinction between peace and weakness. "Peace born of the fear of war is to be condemned, while war fought for the sake of peace is worthy of reverence," he said, warning that any nation promoting terrorism against India would face a befitting response and no dialogue.

The Minister cited decisive military actions like the Surgical Strikes, Balakot Airstrike, and Operation Sindoor as key to this strategy. He also referenced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a clear message that "blood and water cannot flow together."

On the evolving nature of warfare, Singh highlighted the emergence of space and cyberspace as new conflict domains. He stressed the government's focus on making the defence apparatus future-ready by developing advanced technologies indigenously, including AI, drones, and autonomous systems.

Singh pointed to a significant transformation in the defence sector, with production rising from around Rs 40,000 crore before 2014 to approximately Rs 1.80 lakh crore today. Defence exports have grown 56-fold to over Rs 38,000 crore. He listed indigenous platforms like the Tejas fighter, Arjun tank, INS Vikrant, and Akash missile system as examples of this progress.

He also linked national security to economic strength, noting India's 7.8% growth rate and its focus on strategic autonomy. "When we speak, the world listens," he said, citing initiatives like the Voice of Global South Summit and MAHASAGAR as efforts to strengthen the voice of developing nations.