Amid heightened regional tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reignited aggressive rhetoric, stating that it is his “responsibility to give a befitting reply to those who dare to attack India.”
Speaking at the ‘Arjan Singh Memorial Lecture’ at the Air Force Auditorium in New Delhi, Singh reiterated a militaristic stance that analysts warn could further destabilize regional peace. “Our brave soldiers protect India’s physical form, and our sages its spiritual form. As defence minister, I must ensure both the country's security and deliver strong responses to any aggression,” Singh said.
The comments, made in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, echo a broader pattern of the BJP-led government’s assertive military posturing. Addressing the Sanskriti Jagran Mahotsav, Singh invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership style, stating, “You know our PM very well... what you desire will certainly happen,” alluding to anticipated retaliatory actions.
Critics argue that such remarks, particularly in politically sensitive times, serve more to rally domestic support than pursue long-term stability. “India’s power lies not only in its armed forces but also in its culture and spirituality,” Singh added, a message seen by observers as blurring the line between governance, religion, and militarism.
