Saturday, March 29, 2025
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Gujarat’s Bhuj Airbase on Friday, a day after delivering a stern warning to Pakistan over recent border clashes and raising global concern about the safety of its nuclear arsenal.
Gujarat, sharing a 508-kilometre-long border with Pakistan, was one of the key Indian states targeted during the recent four-day military standoff. Pakistan reportedly used drones to strike regions in Gujarat, including Bhuj. However, Indian Armed Forces successfully thwarted the threat, demonstrating operational readiness under high-stress scenarios.
Singh’s visit to the Bhuj Airbase is expected to include a review of operational preparedness of the Indian Armed Forces in light of ongoing tensions with Pakistan. He may also tour sensitive border areas during his Gujarat visit.
On Thursday, the Defence Minister visited the Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir — a region significantly affected by the recent skirmishes. Addressing army personnel there, Singh sharply questioned the global community over the security of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.
“The world has witnessed how irresponsibly Pakistan has threatened India. Today, from the soil of Srinagar, I raise the question — are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue state?” he said.
Singh called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to place Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal under its direct supervision to ensure global security.
While addressing troops, Singh condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, where militants reportedly targeted tourists based on their religion. He contrasted this with India’s retaliation strategy, stating:
“Terrorists asked innocent people in Pahalgam about their religion before killing them. In response, our forces eliminated terrorists based on their deeds, not religion. The world saw that.”
These remarks come during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir following the launch of Operation Sindoor, a high-alert military campaign prompted by increasing threats across the border.
During the visit, Singh assessed the overall security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, holding discussions with troops on the ground and evaluating India’s combat preparedness.
Subheading: Rajnath Singh Bhuj Airbase Visit Signals Strong Military Posture
Singh’s latest movements — from Kashmir to Gujarat — highlight a decisive national security strategy amidst intensifying India-Pakistan hostilities. The Defence Minister’s strong statements, coupled with his calls for international oversight, signal that New Delhi is not only prepared militarily but also seeking global accountability for Pakistan’s nuclear conduct.
