Addressing a public gathering in Jhunjhunu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India's resolve to "cross the border to eliminate terrorists if necessary," while condemning the Congress for its scepticism regarding the 2019 surgical strike against Pakistan.
"We will not hesitate to target any terrorist, whether within India or beyond our borders," Singh declared during his speech in Rajasthan on Sunday.
In a recent interview, the Defence Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to respond forcefully to any terrorist threat to India's peace and security.
"If a terrorist escapes to Pakistan, we will pursue them and neutralize them on Pakistani soil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken truthfully... India possesses the capability, and Pakistan has begun to understand that," Singh stated, responding to a report by UK newspaper The Guardian alleging Indian government-ordered assassinations in Pakistan as part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism abroad.
Singh stressed on India's commitment to maintaining cordial relations with its neighbours, noting its historical record of refraining from aggression or territorial expansion.
However, he warned that any attempt to intimidate India through terrorist activities would be met with a robust response.
During the same public address, Singh expressed dismay at the Congress's questioning of surgical strikes and air strikes.
"I am troubled by the Congress's reluctance to acknowledge the bravery and effectiveness of our defence forces. The actions of our forces during those operations deserve recognition and should not be subject to doubt," Singh remarked.
"The Congress seems incapable of accepting the reality of these operations. Despite global acknowledgment, they persist in questioning them," he added.
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