Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Reviews Military Preparedness in Gujarat Following Visit to Conflict-Hit Jammu & Kashmir
In a continued effort to assess the nation’s military readiness in the wake of recent hostilities along the India-Pakistan border, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at the Bhuj Air Force Station in Gujarat on Friday, just a day after concluding his visit to Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.
His visit to the western front comes in the aftermath of a tense military standoff between Indian and Pakistani forces that erupted earlier this month.
During his time in Bhuj, the Defence Minister conducted a comprehensive review of Indian Air Force (IAF) operations in the region, holding discussions with senior military officials and interacting directly with Air Force personnel stationed at the strategically important base.
He evaluated the security dynamics and operational preparedness of the Air Force following the ceasefire announcement on May 10, which brought a temporary halt to intense cross-border engagements that had resulted in significant destruction and civilian displacement.
Rajnath Singh’s visit to Gujarat followed a high-profile stop in Kashmir on Thursday, where he visited the Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, the headquarters of the Indian Army’s 15 Corps.
There, he was briefed by top military commanders on the recent Pakistani artillery shelling and its consequences on both civilians and military infrastructure.
As part of his visit, Singh examined remnants of shell fragments fired from across the border by Pakistani forces and paid solemn tributes to the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the exchange of fire.
Addressing personnel of the Indian Army in Srinagar, the Defence Minister made a significant policy statement regarding the nuclear threat posed by Pakistan.
In a strong and unequivocal tone, Singh expressed concern over the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, describing the country as a “rogue nation” incapable of responsibly handling weapons of mass destruction.
He went on to suggest that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations body responsible for overseeing global nuclear safety and compliance.
These remarks by Rajnath Singh come in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments, in which he warned that India would not tolerate nuclear intimidation or “nuclear blackmail” by any adversary.
PM Modi had stated firmly that any attempts at cross-border terrorism would be met with decisive and forceful retaliation, signaling India’s resolve to act against terror networks operating with state support from across the border.
The current geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan have deeply impacted daily life in border districts, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, where intense shelling has forced thousands of residents to flee their homes and disrupted essential services.
However, with the ceasefire agreement taking effect on May 10, a sense of normalcy is beginning to return to the affected regions.
In the past few days, educational institutions, including schools and colleges, have reopened in several districts along the border.
In areas that had been severely impacted by the shelling, particularly near the LoC and IB sectors, displaced civilians have started returning to their homes, attempting to resume their regular lives after weeks of uncertainty and fear.
Local administrations in both Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab have mobilized efforts to ensure a safe and smooth resettlement process for residents who were forced into temporary shelters during the cross-border exchanges.
Security forces continue to maintain a high level of vigilance, even as peace prevails for now, ensuring that communities feel secure enough to rebuild and recover.
Rajnath Singh’s dual visits to Jammu & Kashmir and Gujarat highlight the government’s broader strategy of asserting national security and reinforcing India’s military preparedness across both northern and western borders.
The visits also serve to boost the morale of security personnel deployed in challenging terrain and under the constant threat of hostile actions from across the border.
In summary, these developments reflect India’s ongoing commitment to a strong, coordinated defense posture in response to both conventional and asymmetric threats, while also signaling to the global community that India seeks peace but is fully prepared to protect its sovereignty against any aggression.
