New Delhi, Sept 22: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking to the Indian community in Rabat, Morocco, declared that India’s armed forces were granted full autonomy to respond decisively to the cowardly terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam.
Emphasizing a strategic approach, Singh noted that India’s response was carefully calibrated to be effective yet non-escalatory.
The remarks were made during his two-day visit to the North African nation, reinforcing the military’s readiness to act, as per an official statement.
“We took action not based on religion but on deeds (Humne dharm dekh kar nahi, karm dekh kar maara hai),” Singh said, quoting the Ramcharitmanas to describe the nation’s firm yet restrained approach, it noted.
In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan.
The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.
The defence minister also highlighted the progress achieved by India in the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite geopolitical challenges, India has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy, and is poised to enter the top three soon, he said.
Singh highlighted India’s digital transformation, rapid strides in the knowledge economy, and the surge in startups from 18 unicorns a decade ago to 118 today.
Singh underlined the “remarkable growth” of India’s defence industry, which has achieved production worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore and defence exports exceeding Rs 23,000 crore to more than 100 countries.
The defence minister lauded the hard work, dedication, and honesty of the Indian community.
Singh’s visit to Morocco will also be the first-ever trip to that country by an Indian defence minister.
During the visit, he will hold a bilateral meeting with his Moroccan counterpart Abdeltif Loudiyi.
Following the talks, both sides are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of defence.
The MoU will provide for an institutional framework to expand and deepen bilateral defence engagement, including exchanges, training, and industrial linkages, officials said.
Ties between India and Morocco have gained momentum since King Mohammed VI met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 in India.
Earlier in the day, India and Morocco on Monday inked an agreement to boost military cooperation following talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdeltif Loudiyi.
Singh is currently on a visit to Morocco.
“Had a very productive meeting with Morocco’s Defence Minister Abdeltif Loudiyi and we signed an MoU on cooperation in field of defence,” he said on ‘X’.
The MoU will provide for an institutional framework to expand and deepen bilateral defence engagement, including exchanges, training, and industrial linkages, officials said.
“India’s ties with Morocco are growing remarkably over the years. We discussed ways to deepen collaboration in key areas, including counter-terrorism efforts, maritime security, cyber defence and capacity building,” Singh added.
Singh’s visit to Morocco is the first-ever trip to that country by an Indian defence minister.
Ties between India and Morocco have gained momentum since King Mohammed VI’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 in India.
