He also said that India's actions in response to the attack were "measured and non-escalatory." The defence minister, who is on a two-day visit to the North African country, made the remarks while addressing the Indian community at Rabat
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the Indian community at Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday. PIC/X
The Indian Armed Forces were given complete freedom to appropriately respond to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday during his visit to Morocco, reported news agency PTI.
He also said that India's actions in response to the attack were "measured and non-escalatory."
The defence minister, who is on a two-day visit to the North African country, made the remarks while addressing the Indian community at Rabat.
According to an official readout, the defence minister reaffirmed that the armed forces were fully prepared and had been given complete freedom to respond after the cowardly attack on innocent Indians in Pahalgam, PTI reported.
"We took action not based on religion but on deeds (Humne dharm dekh kar nahi, karm dekh kar maara hai)," Singh said, quoting the Ramcharitmanas to describe the nation's firm yet restrained approach, it noted.
On April 22, terrorists killed 25 tourists and a local in the picturesque Pahalgam valley. In response to the horrendous attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan.
The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.
Meanwhile, during his address on Sunday, the defence minister also highlighted the progress achieved by India in the last decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Despite geopolitical challenges, India has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy, and is poised to enter the top three soon, he said.
Singh also highlighted India's digital transformation, rapid strides in the knowledge economy, and the surge in startups from 18 unicorns a decade ago to 118 to this date, PTI reported.
Apart from this, the Union Defence Minister underlined the "remarkable growth" of India's defence industry, stating that the country’s production has reached Rs 1.5 lakh crore while the defence exports now exceed Rs 23,000 crore, with India selling weapons to more than 100 countries.
The defence minister also lauded the hard work, dedication, and honesty of the Indian community.
Delighted to interact with the Indian community in Rabat. Lauded their hard work and dedication that defines the Indian community across the world. It is praiseworthy, how they are contributing to Morocco’s progress and at the same time remain connected to their roots in India. pic.twitter.com/rJYwuXNpyw
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 22, 2025
This is the first time that an Indian Defence Minister has visited Morocco, reported PTI.
Singh will be holding a bilateral meeting with his Moroccan counterpart Abdeltif Loudiyi.
Following the talks, the countries are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of defence.
The MoU will provide for an institutional framework to expand and deepen bilateral defence engagement, including exchanges, training, and industrial linkages, officials said.
Ties between India and Morocco have gained momentum since King Mohammed VI met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 in India.
(With PTI inputs)
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