New Delhi, Oct 15 (KNO): Stating that India’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for a lack of resolve to defend its sovereignty, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday warned Pakistan that any future terror attack originating from its territory would invite a stronger Indian military response.
Addressing the ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum here, Singh, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “Any future terror attack originating from Pakistan will invite a befitting reply. India could launch a strike more powerful than its previous operations.”
He recalled India's surgical strikes following the 2016 Uri terror attack and cited ‘Operation Sindoor’ as an example of the country's growing military capabilities and use of advanced technology. "Whenever terrorists have attempted to stain Indian soil with blood, India has delivered a fitting response," he said, adding that the impact of those operations was likely still felt by the people behind the terror attacks.
Referring to the Uri attack, Singh said, “Indian soldiers had carried out surgical strikes that destroyed terrorist hideouts.”
He said peace, dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes were integral to India's civilisational values, but the country remained prepared to respond decisively to threats against its security.
Highlighting the role of technology in modern warfare, Singh cited ‘Operation Sindoor,’ saying it demonstrated the ability of the Indian armed forces to adapt to changing battlefield requirements and deploy advanced indigenous systems.
He referred to the use of the Akash Teer air defence command and control system, the Akash missile system and the BrahMos missile, along with other advanced military equipment, during the operation.
INDIA'S DEFENCE MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES
Singh said India's defence manufacturing capabilities had also strengthened, with 159 of the 175 types of ammunition used by the armed forces now produced domestically, translating into more than 90 per cent self-reliance in this category.
“India's defence exports have risen from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to more than Rs 38,000 crore and Indian defence products were being exported to nearly 200 countries,” The Defence Minister said, adding, “The growth in exports has improved India's international standing and strengthened confidence in the country's technological capabilities.”
He said the government is working towards building a defence ecosystem that could meet domestic requirements while contributing to economic growth and India's role in global security.
Recalling the country's earlier dependence on imports for military equipment, the Defence Minister said India was now developing the capacity to manufacture everything from basic defence requirements to sophisticated military systems.
INDIA'S ARMED FORCES FULLY PREPARED TO CONFRONT ANY CHALLENGE
"Our commitment to peace remains steadfast, yet India's armed forces are fully prepared to confront any challenge," he said, adding that national security depended not only on military preparedness but also on the country's collective resolve.
Singh said India aimed to become a developed nation by the centenary of its independence and emerge as a global leader in technology, the economy and defence.
He also described the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a national innovation platform that connects industry, universities, start-ups and scientists, rather than an institution limited to defence research.
The government is working to expand the role of start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in defence production, he said.
According to Singh, the Defence Ministry has approved procurement worth more than Rs 2,400 crore from these enterprises, while projects exceeding Rs 1,500 crore had been sanctioned for developing new technologies.
He said 75 per cent of the capital budget for modernising the armed forces had been earmarked for procurement from Indian industries.
The new defence procurement process being introduced by the government included reforms aimed at accelerating domestic production and strengthening the country's defence industrial base, Singh added—(KNO)