Rajnath Singh Vows ‘Befitting Reply’ to Threats Against India, Cites PM Modi’s Perseverance

On May 4, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared it his duty to give a “befitting reply” to those who attack India. Speaking at the Sanskriti Jagran Mahotsav in Delhi, Singh stressed that ensuring the nation’s security falls under his role as Defence Minister.

“It is my responsibility to give a befitting reply to those who dare to attack our country. You all know the Prime Minister’s work ethic and perseverance… I want to assure you that under his leadership, whatever you wish for, will be done,” he stated.

His remarks come amid heightened expectations of Indian military action following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists.

Blackout Rehearsal Conducted Near Border

As tensions mount, security preparations have intensified. The Ferozepur Cantonment in Punjab, located near the India-Pakistan border, conducted a blackout rehearsal on Sunday night from 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

A notification issued for the exercise read, “You are requested to ensure adequate security arrangements during this period, given the total blackout. This rehearsal aims to ensure preparedness and effectiveness in implementing blackout procedures during prevailing war threats. Your support and cooperation are crucial in making this exercise successful.”

Sources confirmed that such rehearsals have taken place earlier as well.

Rising Hostilities and Naval Movements

Since the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has issued multiple “Nav Area” warnings for naval war exercises in the Arabian Sea and NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen), closing air routes near the border. These notifications, issued several days ago, were scheduled to expire on May 4.

India, in response, conducted missile firings through the Navy, and both countries issued “area warnings” for maritime exercises. The zones identified for these drills were only 85 nautical miles apart.

Singh Reiterates India’s Right to Defend

Addressing the escalating tensions, Rajnath Singh reaffirmed his commitment to the country’s defence.

“As the defence minister, it is my responsibility to work with my soldiers and ensure the protection of the country’s borders. And it is my responsibility to give a befitting reply, by working with the armed forces, to those who cast an evil eye on our country,” he said at the event in Delhi.

He further added, “I want to assure you that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, what you desire will certainly happen.”

Government’s Retaliatory Measures

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India took several measures against Pakistan, including a complete ban on Pakistani visas and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The Indian government attributed the attack to terrorists with cross-border linkages.

In the days after the attack, Pakistani forces repeatedly violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC). The Indian Army responded with precise and effective firepower.

Echoes of Past Retaliations

The Modi government has a history of strong military responses to terrorist attacks. After the 2016 Uri attack that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers, Indian special forces launched surgical strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

In 2019, following the Pulwama attack that killed 40 Indian personnel, India conducted airstrikes in Balakot, targeting a terrorist camp.

With tensions once again at a peak, PM Modi has promised that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack and their handlers will be identified and punished beyond imagination.

High Alert in Both Nations

As both nations brace for possible escalation, Pakistan has placed its armed forces and intelligence agencies on high alert.

The Indian government, too, has empowered the Armed Forces with “complete operational freedom” to act in response to the attack, as per government sources.

Rajnath Singh, while addressing the crowd, issued a strong warning, stating, “We will not only reach out to those who have perpetrated this incident. We will also reach out to those who, sitting behind the scenes, have conspired to commit such nefarious acts on the soil of India.”

Global Calls for Restraint

While India maintains its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, Pakistan has reached out to the international community to defuse the growing crisis. Meanwhile, global powers have urged both nations to exercise restraint and avoid escalation.

With both countries placing their forces on alert and diplomatic tensions at a high, the coming days will be crucial in determining the next chapter in the strained relationship between India and Pakistan.