In a powerful statement underscoring India’s commitment to peace and self-defense, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared on Saturday that while India has never attacked another country out of hatred or contempt, it will not hesitate to take a “big step” if its national interests are threatened. Addressing soldiers and officials at the Sukna military station in West Bengal, Singh made it clear that the country will use its military might “with full force” to safeguard its sovereignty and integrity.
“We fight only when someone insults or tries to harm our integrity and sovereignty, when war is waged against religion, truth, and human values,” Singh said, reflecting on India’s centuries-old tradition of prioritizing peace over conflict. “This is what we have inherited, and we will continue to preserve this heritage. However, if our interests are threatened, we will not hesitate to take a big step.”
The Significance of Shastra Pooja
Singh’s remarks came during his visit to the Sukna military station, where he spent Dussehra with front-line soldiers and participated in the traditional Shastra Pooja, a ritual deeply rooted in Indian culture. The ceremony, which involves the worship of weapons, symbolizes the respect for military equipment as protectors of the nation’s sovereignty.
“This significant ceremony in the Indian Army symbolises the respect for weapons as the protectors of the nation’s sovereignty,” the Ministry of Defence noted in a statement. The ritual signifies the readiness of the armed forces to defend the country and highlights the balance between modernisation and tradition.
As part of the Shastra Pooja, Singh offered prayers to a wide range of modern military equipment, including state-of-the-art infantry, artillery, and drone systems. This not only underscored the Indian Army’s growing focus on indigenization but also its determination to maintain a strong defense posture.
India’s Unwavering Vigilance
Singh’s visit and his strong words reaffirmed the critical role that the Indian armed forces play in maintaining peace along the country’s borders. Commending the vigilance of the soldiers, he emphasized how their efforts are vital to safeguarding the country’s interests, especially along sensitive regions like the borders with China and Pakistan.
The Defence Minister’s message was clear: while India values peace, it is fully prepared to protect its sovereignty if pushed. The ceremony underscored the cultural and spiritual depth of Dussehra, with its rituals symbolizing the preparedness, resolve, and unwavering dedication of the armed forces.
Boosting Infrastructure Along Key Borders
In addition to his powerful address on military strength, Singh also dedicated 75 key infrastructure projects, valued at ₹2,236 crore, to the nation. These Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects span across 11 states and union territories, including Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, and the northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. These projects represent a significant infrastructure push along India’s borders with China, aimed at improving mobility, security, and accessibility in remote and often challenging terrain.
These initiatives reflect India’s strategic approach to strengthening its border areas, reinforcing the nation’s readiness to defend its interests while promoting development and stability.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernization
The presence of senior military officials, including Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, added weight to the event, which blended India’s military traditions with its modern-day defense capabilities.
“The ceremony highlighted the Indian Army’s blend of tradition and modernisation, with a focus on preserving India’s sovereignty and promoting indigenous defence systems and platforms,” noted a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
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