Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that India would have been willing to provide Pakistan with a financial aid package larger than what the country is currently seeking from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), had Islamabad maintained friendly relations with New Delhi.
“I said, my Pakistani friends, why have strained relations, we are neighbours.If we had good relations, we would have given more money than the IMF,” defence minister said.
Speaking in the Gurez assembly segment of Bandipora district, Singh said that the government is dedicated to the development of Jammu and Kashmir, citing the substantial Rs 90,000 crore package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014-15. He argued that this commitment to the region starkly contrasts with Pakistan’s reliance on international financial assistance.
During his speech, Singh invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s remark that “we can change friends, but we cannot change our neighbours,” urging Pakistan to reconsider its strained relations with India.
The defence minister criticised Pakistan for allegedly misusing financial aid to fund terrorism. He highlighted that India’s financial support for Jammu and Kashmir is aimed at fostering development and expressed hope that the region could once again become a “paradise on earth,” aligning with Vajpayee’s vision of restoring “Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat, and Kashmiriyat.”
Singh said that Pakistan’s use of terrorism as a tool against India has led to its isolation on international platforms, with even traditional allies distancing themselves.
“Whenever we have investigated terrorism, we have found Pakistani involvement. Our successive governments have tried to make Pakistan understand that they should stop terror camps but to no avail. Pakistan is frustrated after revocation of Article 370 and is making attempts to revive terror. They do not want democracy to take roots here. (But) India is strong enough that it can take on Pakistan on its soil. If anyone in Pakistan carries out an attack on India, we can crossover and respond,” he added.
The defence minister also addressed local concerns in Gurez, promising increased recruitment from the area into the Indian Army if BJP candidate Faqeer Mohammad Khan is elected. He reiterated the demand for an all-weather tunnel through the Razdan Pass, which would enhance connectivity to the rest of the country.
With improvements in infrastructure, including 24-hour electricity and better roads, Singh assured residents that discussions would be held post-elections to address their needs further. “As the defence minister of the country, I assure you that after the polls I will bring the concerned minister here to discuss it,” he said.
