Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a strong message, highlighting Bharat’s preparedness for war amidst ongoing challenges along its borders. Speaking at inaugural Defence Summit of a media house, Singh outlined the importance of maintaining readiness for battle at all times, even during peacetime.
“We have to be ready for war at all times… even in peacetime. We have to be ready,” asserted Singh.
Addressing potential threats from land, air, or sea, Singh declared Bharat’s commitment to responding forcefully to any aggression. “Whether from land, air, or sea… if anyone attacks Bharat, our forces will respond strongly,” he affirmed.
Singh reiterated Bharat’s stance of never initiating hostilities but affirmed the country’s capability to deliver a robust counterattack if provoked. “We have never attacked any country nor have we occupied even an inch of anyone’s land. But, if anyone attacks us, we are in position to give a befitting reply,” he stressed.
The defence minister’s remarks are widely interpreted as a veiled reference to the persistent border tensions with China in Kashmir, Ladakh, and the Northeast. The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops has endured for nearly four years, with diplomatic efforts aimed at disengagement and de-escalation.
“The solution lies with the Central Government,” Singh said, highlighting the ongoing efforts to resolve the standoff.
Singh’s assertive stance reflects his previous statements in January, where he highlighted Bharat’s emergence as a significant global economic and strategic power. “We are no more a weak country,” he declared.
Besides, the defence minister reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in the defence sector, highlighting initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous manufacturing and military modernisation.
He spoke about the government’s focus on an ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’, or a ‘self-reliant India’, when considering the defence sector.
“In 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government came to power, we put defence sector as our main priority. ‘Atmanirbharta’, or ‘self-reliance’, was encouraged… we introduced many Make-in-India initiatives and our focus was on military modernisation,” he explained.
“I am not saying previous governments did not put emphasis on defence sector. But we brought ‘atmanirbharta’ in the defence sector,” he stressed.
