‘It’s my responsibility’: Rajnath Singh’s stern warning amid escalating tension with Pakistan

Amid a dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday vowed to give a befitting reply to the perpetrators.

Addressing the Sanskrati Jagran Mahotsav in Delhi, Singh said it was his responsibility to work with the armed forces and give a "befitting reply" to those who cast an evil eye on India.

"As the defence minister, it is my responsibility to work with my soldiers and ensure the protection of the country's borders. And it is my responsibility to give a befitting reply, by working with the armed forces, to those who cast an evil eye on our country," he said. 

Singh further said that people know Prime Minister Narendra Modi very well and are quite familiar with his working style, his determination and the way he has learned to "take risks" in his life.

"I want to assure you that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, what you desire will certainly happen," said the defence minister.

Singh’s assertions came as India is weighing its retaliatory measures against Pakistan in view of the cross-border linkage to the deadly attack on April 22, in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed.

New Delhi has already taken a slew of punitive measures including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, bilateral trade and short-term visas issued to Pakistani nationals.

At a meeting of the cabinet committee on security held after the attack, Prime Minister Modi has reportedly given “complete freedom” to the armed forces to choose the targets, mode and timing of India’s response.

India