Those behind cowardly Pahalgam terror attack will receive soon befitting reply: Rajnath Singh.

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SHYAM SOOD
“Every Indian is United; We can never be intimidated by such acts,” says Rajnath Singh.

**“Aim is to establish IAF as a dominant power & achieve Defence sovereignty,” he adds

RAJOURI APRIL 23:-Speaking for the first time after the ghastly and heinous terror attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam on Tuesday (April 22), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared:
“Those responsible for the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent citizens in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, will soon receive a befitting reply for their nefarious acts on Indian soil.”
Rajnath Singh made these remarks while delivering a memorial lecture on Marshal of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Arjan Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday.
He reiterated India’s unwavering resolve for zero tolerance towards terrorism, stating that the Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would take every necessary and appropriate step in response.
“India, an ancient civilization and a vast nation, cannot be intimidated by such terrorist activities. Every Indian stands united against this cowardly act. Not only the perpetrators but the conspirators behind the scenes will face an appropriate response,” Rajnath Singh asserted.
“History has shown that nations fall not just due to the actions of adversaries, but often due to their own misdeeds. I hope people across the border take heed of historical lessons.”
He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the terror attack as an attempt to target religion.
“Our nation has lost many innocent lives in this inhuman act of terror. We share the grief of the bereaved families and pray for peace to the departed souls,” he said.
Paying glowing tributes to Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, Rajnath Singh described him as a visionary leader whose dedication continues to inspire the youth.
“If today the IAF stands among the world’s strongest air forces, it is due to the ethos and vision of military leaders like Arjan Singh,” he noted.
The Defence Minister described the IAF’s evolution as “an aspiring, inspirational, and transformational epic,” underlining the Government’s focus on creating a self-reliant defence ecosystem.
He reaffirmed the Government’s aim to transform the Armed Forces, especially the IAF, into a regionally dominant power, emphasizing that the journey towards Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) is a shared responsibility.
“National security cannot rely on imports. Defence sovereignty is our goal, and we are working tirelessly towards achieving it,” he stressed.
Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s defence achievements, including indigenous systems like Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, Light Utility Helicopter Prachand, Air Defence weapons Akash and BrahMos.
He noted the rising role of start-ups and MSMEs in defence innovation and high-tech warfare.
“As defence production becomes increasingly technology-driven, start-ups and MSMEs are emerging as its backbone,” he remarked.
On aero-engine development, he said, efforts are underway to produce engines within India through co-development and co-production, ensuring full intellectual property rights.
He also mentioned advancements in systems like Astra Mark-2, Pralay, SMART, NG Anti-Radiation Missile, and Very Short-Range Air Defence System. He said these are at various stages of production and development.
Referring to the Indo-Pacific region’s strategic importance, Rajnath Singh said the Government is addressing challenges arising from a fluid international order and rapid technological advancements.
“Breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence, hypersonic weapons, quantum computing, drones, cyber and space tech have made modern warfare more lethal and unpredictable,” he said.
He assured that the Modi-led Government is committed to preparing the Armed Forces to tackle these challenges effectively.
The event was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, senior civil and military officials, and both serving and retired IAF personnel.