India will take 'big steps' to protect interests, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Singh concluded, stating, "India will be one of the safest and strongest nations in the times to come." (Image Credit: @rajnathsingh)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted on Saturday that India will not hesitate to take 'a big step' if its interests are threatened by adversaries. His remarks came during the inauguration of 75 infrastructure projects worth Rs 2,236 crore by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at the Sukna Military Station in West Bengal, coinciding with the Dussehra festival, as reported by Times of India.

"India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt. We fight only when our integrity and sovereignty are insulted or harmed," Singh stated, adding that the country's commitment to preserve its heritage of truth and human values. He highlighted that the Shastra Pooja ceremony held at the event symbolises respect for weapons as protectors of the nation’s sovereignty. "If our interests are threatened, we will not hesitate to take a big step," he added.

Today, 75 BRO infrastructure projects, worth Rs 2,236 crore, across 11 States/UTs were dedicated to the nation. The Government led by PM Shri @narendramodi is committed to further strengthen border infrastructure, defence preparedness and ensure socio-economic progress. India pic.twitter.com/jQD1J1i7ai Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 12, 2024

Among the 75 projects inaugurated were 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two additional structures located across various states, including 19 in Jammu and Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, and 11 in Ladakh. With these new projects, the BRO has completed a total of 111 infrastructure projects this year, amounting to Rs 3,751 crore, according to a report by Times of India.

Singh performed the traditional Shastra Pooja, which involves offering prayers to modern military equipment, including advanced infantry, artillery, communication systems, and drone technology. The event concluded with Singh interacting with troops stationed at the Sukna Military Station.

, 33 pic.twitter.com/f67IJFyjPz Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 12, 2024

Attending the ceremony were several senior military officials, including Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary-designate RK Singh, and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari.

Singh praised the BRO for its commitment to constructing over 40% of roads in high-altitude areas, noting the difficulties posed by harsh weather and extreme cold. He said that these projects reflect the government's "unwavering resolve" to strengthen border infrastructure for strategic and socio-economic progress, particularly in northeastern regions.

One of the significant projects inaugurated was the strategic Kupup-Sherathang road in Sikkim, providing a crucial link between the Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis, facilitating troop and equipment movement to forward areas.

The Modi government, in its third term, aims to accelerate the development of border infrastructure, with an increased budget allocation of Rs 6,500 crore for the BRO in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Singh concluded, stating, "India will be one of the safest and strongest nations in the times to come."