Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian Armed Forces were given complete freedom to respond effectively to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He made these remarks while addressing the Indian community in Rabat, Morocco, on September 21, 2025. Singh emphasized that the government’s approach was measured and non-escalatory, acting based on deeds rather than religion. Quoting the Ramcharitmanas, he said, “Humne dharm dekh kar nahi, karm dekh kar maara hai,” highlighting the principle of responding to actions, not identities.Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied territories. The operation lasted four days and concluded on May 10 after both sides agreed to cease military actions.
Singh also noted India’s growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past decade, pointing out that India has become the fastest-growing major economy, advancing in digital transformation, the knowledge economy, and startups. The number of unicorns has risen from 18 to 118, while defence production has reached ₹1.5 lakh crore and exports ₹23,000 crore to over 100 countries.
During his visit to Morocco—the first by an Indian defence minister—Singh held talks with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdeltif Loudiyi. Both countries are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to boost defence cooperation, focusing on training, exchanges, and industrial linkages.