Key facts
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated India will not allow Indus River waters to reach terror sponsors.
- He condemned Pakistan's support for terrorism and referenced past actions like suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
- Singh highlighted India's growing defence production, exports, and global partnerships.
- He listed the abolition of Article 370 and other NDA government achievements.
- The minister criticized the previous UPA regime for corruption.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that India will not permit the waters of the Indus River to flow to entities that sponsor terrorism. Speaking at an 'Intellectuals Meet' in Hyderabad, Singh condemned Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism and stated that the current government knows how to respond to those who do not understand peace.
Singh criticized opposition leaders, including those from Congress, for questioning military actions and the bravery of soldiers. He recalled the government's stance on halting grain and water supplies to Pakistan following terror attacks, specifically mentioning the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack. "We will not let the waters of the Sindhu reach the patrons of terrorists and enemies of humanity," he asserted.
The Defence Minister highlighted India's emergence as a "trusted partner" globally, citing its assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and its role as a "vishwa bandhu" (friend of the world). However, he cautioned that India's adversaries should remember its capabilities, including the BrahMos missile, in addition to vaccines.
Singh also detailed the growth in India's defence sector, noting that defence production is currently valued at Rs 1.50 lakh crore and is expected to rise to Rs 1.7 lakh crore soon. Defence exports stand at Rs 39,000 crore and are projected to increase further, with India exporting defence items to 100 countries. He also projected that the country's exports would reach USD two trillion within five years.
Reviewing the NDA government's achievements over the past 11 years, Singh pointed to the abolition of Article 370, efforts to make the country largely Naxal-free, the implementation of GST, nationwide electrification, and reforms in the justice system. He contrasted the current situation in Kashmir, which he described as seeing growth in tourism and investment, with its past reputation for terrorism.
Singh stated that the BJP's politics are based on justice and humanity, refuting claims of religious discrimination. He mentioned the expulsion of illegal infiltrators and reforms in waqf laws, alongside progress towards a Uniform Civil Code in states like Uttarakhand. He also accused the previous UPA regime of widespread corruption, citing scams such as the 2G scam and the coal scam.