India's Defence Minister: Zero Tolerance on Terrorism is Policy, Not Just Rhetoric
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India's approach to terrorism is not merely a statement but a line of action, reinforcing the government's stance on national security. Speaking at an event, Singh highlighted that 'zero tolerance against terrorism is not merely a statement for us, but a Line of Action.'
Referring to cross-border terrorism, Singh said, 'We will strike against terrorism not just at the doorstep but by entering the house. The whole world saw this during Operation Sindoor.' The operation, which involved precision strikes, was cited as an example of India's resolve.
Singh also underscored India's growing defence production capabilities. He noted that defence products made in India are now exported to nearly 100 countries, with annual production reaching a record ₹1.78 lakh crore. The minister added that India is on track to achieve a ₹3 lakh crore defence production milestone by 2029.
'Today, India is not just manufacturing defence equipment for itself. India is becoming a credible security partner for the world. From the Indian Ocean to the Indo-Pacific, India's role is continuously strengthening,' Singh said in Hindi.
Singh emphasized the importance of self-reliance in defence, stating that dependence on foreign nations for weapons and systems limits strategic autonomy. 'If a country depends on other countries for weapons, ammunition, navigation systems, missiles, radars and drones, then its strategic and military autonomy also becomes limited. We are working with the full intention of completely changing this,' he said.
The minister credited the current government for fostering indigenous defence production, contrasting it with previous administrations. 'Our vision for empowering India in the defence sector is the one that trusts India's capabilities. But the perspective of previous governments was, somehow, doubtful about India's potential and capability,' he said.
Singh provided data to illustrate the growth: defence exports surged from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to over ₹38,000 crore in 2025-26. He attributed this to policy reforms and investments over the past 12 years.
The event also highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor, which Singh described as 'a splendid example of technological warfare,' using advanced systems like Akashteer, Akash missiles, and BrahMos. He said the operation demonstrated that India's armed forces are adapting to change with confidence.
