India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday 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.
Speaking at an electoral rally in Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir, Singh stated, “Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to say that you can change your friends, but not your neighbors. Had our neighboring country Pakistan maintained better relations with us, we would have given Pakistan more funds than what they have requested from the IMF.”
Singh added that elections in Jammu and Kashmir are a demonstration of India’s democracy and strength. He expressed hope for the region’s return to peace and development, in line with Vajpayee’s vision of “Insaniyat (humanity), Jamhooriyat (democracy), and Kashmiriyat (the spirit of Kashmir).”
The Indian Defense Minister highlighted a development package for Jammu and Kashmir, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and 2015, which has since grown to surpass the amount sought by Pakistan from the IMF. “Had relations been better, we would have given Pakistan more money than what they have sought from the IMF,” Singh reiterated.
Singh accused Pakistan of using international funds to support “factories of terrorism” within its borders, contrasting this with India’s financial support for development in Jammu and Kashmir.
“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,” Singh said.
He claimed that Pakistan’s use of terrorism as a policy tool against India has led to its isolation on international platforms, with even traditional allies distancing themselves.
Singh warned of potential retaliation in the event of any terrorist attack on Indian soil. “If a terrorist attack were to occur in India, we will also launch a counterattack, no matter where the enemy may be,” he asserted.
Concluding his address, Singh emphasized that successive Indian governments have urged Pakistan to dismantle terrorist camps operating within its territory. “Pakistan has failed to do so. Pakistan should not forget that this is a new India, ready to fight terrorism not just on this side but, if needed, on the other side of the border as well,” he said.
