‘Ready for any strikes if terror continues’ 

NEW DELHI, Sept 27: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday warned that India is prepared to strike terrorists as long as a neighbouring country continues to “propagate terrorism”, in a message widely directed at Pakistan. Singh then made a more pointed reference to India’s response to cross-border terrorism.

Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit 2026, Singh said India wanted peace and did not seek war or the territory of another country, but cautioned that its preference for peace should not be mistaken for weakness.

“India believes in peace, does not want war. India does not want to take over another land, does not want to threaten anyone. But there is a difference between silence and weakness," he said, adding, “India wants peace, but it will not compromise on its security. Till the time our neighbouring country propagates terrorism, we will be ready for any strikes against terrorists - we want to tell them and the world.”

India has repeatedly accused Pakistan-based terrorist groups of carrying out attacks on Indian soil. The April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 people, 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Singh also made clear that India’s willingness to engage in dialogue had limits when it came to terrorism.

“India believes in dialogue, but if any country propagates terrorism, the dialogue will end then and there. India wants cooperation but not at the cost of national interest.”

The Defence Minister also spoke about India’s preparedness and the need for the armed forces to remain ready for changing forms of warfare.�" Z NEWS