Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leaves for Bhuj Air Force Station in Gujarat

Rajnath Singh

Amid the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is off to Gujarat. There, he will be interacting with "courageous air warriors." As per ANI, Air Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh is also with him.

Defence Minister Singh will also be visiting the monumental Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum in Bhuj. This museum was built to pay tribute to the people who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that struck the region on January 26, 2001.

While leaving for Bhuj, Rajnath Singh posted on X stating, "Leaving New Delhi for Bhuj (Gujarat). Looking forward to interacting with our courageous Air Warriors at Bhuj Air Force Station."

"Also, I shall be visiting Smritivan - a memorial and museum envisioned by PM Shri @narendramodi as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the 2001 earthquake," he added.

The statement from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh comes a day after he concluded his visit to the Badami Bagh Cantt in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. There Mr Rajnath Singh met and interacted with Indian Army soldiers.

As reported by ANI, during his visit to Srinagar, he also highlighted India's firm stance against terrorism. In his first interaction with troops after Operation Sindoor at Badami Bagh Cantt, he said that Operation Sindoor has sent a loud and clear message to the terrorist organisations hiding in Pakistan and their masters that they are not safe anywhere.

"Our forces have shown the world that their aim is precise and pinpoint, and the task of counting is left to the enemies," he said.

"I raise this question before the world: Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation? Pakistan's nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," he added.

The defence minister also expressed gratitude to the brave soldiers who destroyed the Pakistani posts & bunkers across the border, sending a clear message to the enemy. He further went on to say, "I come here today with a message from the people of India: 'We are proud of our Forces."

Singh reaffirmed that no unnecessary action should be taken across the border, which is the basis of the two countries' agreement. Adding to his statements, he also underlined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's opinion that terrorism and peace cannot coexist and that if discussions are held, then we will focus only on terrorism and PoJK.

The Defence Minister also paid tribute to the innocent citizens who lost their lives in a terror attack in Pahalgam, and to the soldiers who gave their lives in the service of their country during Operation Sindoor. He praised the bravery of the injured soldiers and wished them a swift recovery.

(With inputs from ANI)