In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which targeted innocent civilians, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh reassured the public that those responsible will soon face a fitting response. Speaking during a memorial lecture in New Delhi on April 23, 2025, Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism, emphasizing that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will take all necessary actions to address such acts of terror.
Reflecting on India’s resilience, the Defence Minister stated, “India, with its rich history and vibrant civilization, cannot be intimidated by acts of terror. The entire nation stands united against such cowardly acts, and those behind this attack will soon be made to answer for their actions.” He also pointed out that terrorism supported across borders will not go unpunished, and history should serve as a reminder to those who harbor such intentions.
While condemning the cowardly nature of the attack, Shri Rajnath Singh expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the violence. “The pain of losing innocent lives in such a heinous attack is beyond words. I pray for the peace of the departed souls,” he said.
During the event, Shri Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the legendary Marshal of the Indian Air Force, Arjan Singh, whose leadership continues to inspire the armed forces. He acknowledged that the strength of the IAF today is a direct result of the vision and dedication of military leaders like Marshal Singh. The Defence Minister took pride in the IAF’s transformation into one of the most powerful air forces in the world, describing its growth as a journey of inspiration and an integral part of India’s national security framework.
Addressing the broader landscape of national defence, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of self-reliance in the armed forces. The government, he stated, is focused on equipping the Indian Air Force to be a dominant force in the region and ensuring defence sovereignty by reducing dependency on imports. Highlighting the successful development of indigenous defence technologies like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, and the BrahMos missile system, he noted that India is on a path to self-sufficiency in defence production. He also praised the growing involvement of private sector companies, start-ups, and MSMEs in contributing to high-tech defence solutions.
The Defence Minister also underlined the government’s commitment to advancing technological innovation within the armed forces, including the development of fifth-generation fighter aircraft and next-generation air defence systems. He pointed to the increasing role of artificial intelligence, cyber technologies, and other emerging innovations in shaping the future of modern warfare. With the Indo-Pacific region emerging as a key strategic area, the government is prepared to confront the complexities and uncertainties posed by global power shifts and technological revolutions.
Shri Rajnath Singh concluded by stressing that India’s defence ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with a focus on strengthening the capabilities of the armed forces and ensuring the country’s security against all future threats. Senior military leaders, including the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff, were present to witness the event.
