Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Dec 2: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday delivered a firm warning to Pakistan, saying that while India is a peace-loving nation and provokes no one, it is fully prepared to eliminate anyone who threatens the country’s peace and harmony.
Speaking at a Sardar Sabha event in Vadodara during the ‘Unity March’ organised by MY Bharat to commemorate Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, Singh said:
“India is a peace-loving nation. We provoke no one. But if provoked, we do not spare anyone who casts an evil eye on our motherland.”
He highlighted Operation Sindoor as evidence of India’s decisive response against those who ignore the language of peace, praising the armed forces for their courage and capability, which he said is now recognised globally.
Drawing parallels with Patel’s leadership during the integration of Hyderabad, Singh noted that India’s current firm stance against terrorism reflects the same uncompromising spirit. He underscored that Patel’s vision of ‘One India, Best India’ has been furthered under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the abrogation of Article 370 as a key step in fully integrating Jammu & Kashmir with the national mainstream.
Economic and Strategic Growth
Singh traced India’s economic ascent, from being the 11th largest economy in 2014 to 4th today, crediting the government’s ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ approach. He said India now speaks confidently on global platforms, reflecting its rise as a major economic and strategic power.
Defence Modernisation and Self-Reliance
On defence, Singh stressed modernization in line with Patel’s vision, noting a 34-fold increase in defence exports over the past 11 years. He reiterated the Make-in-India targets of achieving Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029.
He also referred to the proposed Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, which would ensure officials arrested on serious charges and denied bail within 30 days automatically lose their positions, reinforcing government accountability.
Call to Youth
Urging young Indians to uphold unity and integrity, Singh said that safeguarding national sovereignty is a responsibility for the next generation.
“We must not only embrace the values of Patel but also prepare future generations to live by them,” he added.
The Defence Minister’s speech blended a stern warning to external adversaries with a celebration of India’s progress in governance, defence, and economic strength, while invoking Patel’s legacy as a guiding principle for the nation.