NEW DELHI: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Sunday that India would have been prepared to offer Pakistan a financial aid package greater than what it is currently seeking from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), had Islamabad maintained amicable relations with New Delhi.
“I said, my Pakistani friends, why have strained relations, we are neighbours.
If we had good relations, we would have given more money than the IMF,” the defense minister said.
Speaking in the Gurez assembly segment of Bandipora district, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir, referencing the substantial Rs 90,000 crore package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014-15. He contrasted this focus on development with Pakistan’s dependence on international financial aid.
During his address, Singh recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s remark that “we can change friends, but we cannot change our neighbours,” urging Pakistan to reconsider its strained relations with India.
The defense minister criticized Pakistan for allegedly misusing international aid to fund terrorism while noting that India’s financial support for Jammu and Kashmir is directed toward fostering development. He hoped the region would once again become a “paradise on earth,” in line with Vajpayee’s vision of promoting “Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat, and Kashmiriyat.”
Singh also remarked that Pakistan’s use of terrorism as a strategy against India has led to its isolation on the global stage, with even its traditional allies distancing themselves.
Aslo read | Supreme Court Grants Bail To Former TN Minister Senthil Balaji In Money Laundering Case
“Whenever we have investigated terrorism, we have found Pakistani involvement. Our successive governments have tried to make Pakistan understand that they should stop terror camps but to no avail. Pakistan is frustrated after the revocation of Article 370 and is making attempts to revive terror. They do not want democracy to take root here. (But) India is strong enough that it can take on Pakistan on its soil. If anyone in Pakistan attacks India, we can crossover and respond,” he added.
The defense minister also addressed local concerns in Gurez, pledging to increase recruitment from the region into the Indian Army if BJP candidate Faqeer Mohammad Khan is elected. He reaffirmed the call for an all-weather tunnel through the Razdan Pass, significantly improving connectivity to the rest of the country.
Singh assured residents that with ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as 24-hour electricity and better roads, further discussions would take place after the elections to address their needs comprehensively.
“As the country’s defense minister, I assure you that after the polls I will bring the concerned minister here to discuss it,” he said.
For more such latest news, click here.
