“Whenever India’s pride and dignity have been at stake, we have made no compromises. When we responded to the Pahalgam terror attack, we did not ask the dharma of the terrorists – we targeted terror, not civilians or military establishments,” he said.
Photo: SNS
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stated that Operation Sindoor was a strong demonstration of India’s unwavering resolve to safeguard its citizens and territorial integrity.
“Whenever India’s pride and dignity have been at stake, we have made no compromises. When we responded to the Pahalgam terror attack, we did not ask the dharma of the terrorists – we targeted terror, not civilians or military establishments,” he said.
Advertisement
Singh, while speaking at an event organised by Jain International Trade Community (JITO) in Hyderabad today, also recalled the 2016 surgical strikes, and the 2019 Balakot air strikes.
Advertisement
Emphasising that India’s growing military and economic strength is not meant to assert dominance over others, Singh said it is to protect its cultural values, spiritual traditions, and the humane ideals taught by Lord Mahavira.
Highlighting the rapid strides made in the defence sector, the Defence Minister said that India’s defence exports, which stood at approximate Rs 600 crore in 2014, have surged to over Rs 24,000 crore today. He expressed the confidence that defence exports would cross Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. “From Tejas fighter jets to Akash missiles and Arjun tanks, our armed forces are increasingly being equipped with Made-in-India platforms,” he said.
Calling it a testimony of India’s journey towards Aatmanirbharta, Singh spoke about the recent agreement to procure 97 Light Combat Aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, with more than 64% indigenous content.
“Today, India manufactures everything from toys to tanks. India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s manufacturing hub. And the day is not far when India will emerge as the Factory of the World. And all this will be possible because the government’s intentions are clear and its policies are in the national interest,” he added.
The Union Minister also spoke about the economic growth of India as the nation is currently the world’s fourth-largest economy. With an estimated GDP of $7.3 trillion by 2030, it is on track to become the third-largest economy. Citing the International Monetary Fund reports, he stated that, based on average growth rates, India is on track to become the world’s second-largest economy by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) by 2038.
Advertisement
