The North News
New Delhi, April 23
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has vowed swift and firm retaliation against those responsible for the terrorist attack on civilians in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the country will not be intimidated by such “cowardly” acts. Speaking at a memorial lecture in honour of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, Rajnath Singh said that the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. “India is a civilisation that cannot be shaken by violence. We will not only punish the perpetrators but also those orchestrating these acts from behind the scenes,” he said.
Offering condolences to the families of the victims, Rajnath Singh said the attack — which he described as targeting people of faith — was “deeply inhuman” and a source of national grief. “The pain is collective. Every Indian stands united against terrorism,” he added.
In a strong message to neighbouring countries suspected of harbouring terrorist networks, Rajnath Singh warned that history has shown nations collapse not due to enemies, but their own misdeeds. “I hope lessons are learnt before it’s too late,” he said, indirectly pointing towards Pakistan without naming it.
The Defence Minister used the occasion to pay tribute to Arjan Singh, calling him a visionary leader whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Rajnath Singh credited such leadership for transforming the Indian Air Force into one of the world’s strongest, and said the IAF’s evolution was a symbol of India’s national strength and aspirations.
Highlighting the Modi government’s push for defence self-reliance, Rajnath Singh praised the indigenous development of systems such as the Tejas fighter aircraft, Dhruv and Prachand helicopters, BrahMos missile, and Astra air-to-air systems. He underscored the critical role of private industry, start-ups, and MSMEs in this transformation.
“The era of dependency is over. India must and will build its own defence systems. Self-reliance in aero-engine development, fifth-generation fighters, and AI-based technologies is our top priority,” Rajnath Singh said.
He also acknowledged the growing strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific and the evolving nature of warfare, shaped by disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, drones, quantum computing, and hypersonic weapons.
Senior defence officials, including the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, attended the event.
