New Delhi: In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured the nation that the perpetrators of this “cowardly act” against innocent citizens will face a befitting response. Delivering a memorial lecture in honour of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday, the Raksha Mantri reiterated the government’s unwavering zero-tolerance stance against terrorism.
“India is an ancient civilisation and a vast country. It cannot be shaken by such terror activities. Every Indian is united in condemning this heinous attack. Not only those who carried out the violence but also the conspirators behind the scenes will soon get an appropriate reply,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.
The terror attack in Pahalgam, which took place during peak tourist season, claimed several innocent lives and left many injured. Expressing deep sorrow, the Defence Minister extended his condolences to the bereaved families, stating, “This inhuman act has left us in deep pain. I pray for peace for the departed souls.”
Rajnath Singh also delivered a stern message to forces across the border suspected of supporting terrorism, warning that “history is witness to the downfall of nations, not by enemy attacks, but due to their own misdeeds.”
The occasion also marked a rich tribute to Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, whose legacy, the Raksha Mantri noted, continues to inspire the younger generation. “If today the IAF is one of the world’s most formidable air forces, it is due to the leadership, ethos, and vision of pioneers like Arjan Singh,” he said.
Rajnath Singh highlighted the IAF’s journey as a transformational epic, noting its rising role in national security and its evolution into a technology-driven force post-Independence.
Underscoring the Centre’s focus on self-reliance, Singh reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to building a self-sustaining defence ecosystem. He listed achievements such as the LCA Tejas, ALH Dhruv, LUH Prachand, and indigenous defence systems like Akash and BrahMos as examples of India’s growing technological capability.
He also emphasised the increasing role of private sector, start-ups, and MSMEs in defence innovation, calling them the backbone of future warfare technologies. Special emphasis is being placed on aero-engine development, fifth-generation fighter aircraft, and LCA Mark-2 under co-development and co-production models with full IP rights.
Highlighting India’s preparedness for modern warfare, the Minister noted significant progress in air defence systems such as Astra Mark-2, Pralay, SMART, and the Very Short Range Air Defence System.
With the Indo-Pacific emerging as a strategic hotspot, Rajnath Singh reiterated the government’s resolve to tackle evolving security challenges stemming from rapid advancements in AI, hypersonic weapons, quantum computing, cyber, and space technologies. He stressed that unpredictability and lethality in warfare demand a robust, tech-savvy defence force, which the Modi government is committed to building.
The event was attended by top military leaders, including Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and several senior civil and military officials, as well as serving and retired IAF personnel.
