Copyright news18
In a wide-ranging and exclusive conversation with News18, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opened up about India’s national security outlook post-Operation Sindoor, the BJP’s confidence in the Bihar elections, and India’s evolving defence strategy amid regional challenges. Speaking to Rahul Joshi, Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief, Singh—in his first detailed interview since Operation Sindoor—addressed issues ranging from the political temperature in Bihar to India’s relations with Pakistan, China, and the US, as well as key defence reforms—from indigenous fighter jet engines to the future of the Agniveer scheme. Here are edited excerpts from the conversation: Q 1: Rajnath-ji, thank you very much for giving this exclusive interview to News18. The atmosphere in Bihar is charged with elections, and this is your first interview with us after Operation Sindoor. There are many questions. Since it’s election season, let’s start with Bihar. You have addressed many rallies in Bihar and have been quite active there. First of all, we would like to know, what kind of atmosphere have you observed? Yesterday, the first round of voting took place, and there was a record turnout—about 65 per cent. So, how many seats would you give to the NDA? A 1: Seeing the response of the voters in our public meetings, I can say that our government will be formed for sure and we may also secure a two-thirds majority, which is more than 160 seats. Q 2: A question that is being asked repeatedly is about your chief ministerial face. Please tell us clearly, who is your CM face? Is it Nitish Kumar? Will he become the chief minister and remain so for five years? A 2: Look, the election is being held under his leadership. So, it is natural that he will be the chief minister. Q 3: Will we then see one deputy chief minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and one from Chirag Paswan’s party? A 3: Whatever happens in future will be decided by consensus when everyone sits together and decides what is to be done. Q 4: Rajnath-ji, one issue that your party has been raising from the beginning is that of Lalu Prasad’s “jungle raj” in Bihar. That earlier there was hooliganism, lawlessness. This time too, you have consistently brought up this issue. But now, a leader from your own alliance, Anant Singh, has been arrested. There was firing, and Dularchand Yadav was killed. What do you have to say about this? A 4: It’s possible that such stray incidents happen some times. But because of that, you can’t simply say that a particular person is a mafia or such-and-such thing. We take all precautions that we pick people who have a clean image as candidates. When there is such a large group of people involved, mistakes or lapses can sometimes occur. I don’t deny that possibility. Q 5: In this election, Rahul Gandhi has been continuously canvassing and campaigning. As the election progressed, his attacks became somewhat personal. While addressing rallies, he said that Modi-ji can do anything for votes—that if needed, he would even dance on stage for votes. During Chhath as well, he commented that Modi-ji did not take a dip in the Yamuna, but went to a sanitised pond and offered prayers to Chhath Maiya there. How do you see this? A 5: Such remarks are not proper. The country knows that such allegations do not stick to PM Modi. He always speaks to the public in a direct and straightforward manner. He has never tried to mislead the people. Q 6: This time, since early morning, there were long queues of women at the polling booths in Bihar. A large number of women came out to vote. How do you see this? Whom does this support seem to favour? Has the Jeevika Didi scheme been your game changer? A 6: While Jeevika Didi is a crucial scheme, apart from that, women feel that in Nitish Kumar’s regime, law and order was maingtained. There is no lawlessness as happened during the RJD’s time. Women, naturally, want that whichever government is in power, law and order should be maintained so that they can step out of their house even at night, if required. Earlier, when Lalu Prasad was the chief minister in Bihar, after 5pm, people had to think twice before stepping out. And women would not step out at all. Q 7: Has the alcohol ban been a big part of this? The Opposition, for instance, has said they will lift the ban if they come to power. A 7: I can’t say for sure what the benefit has been. But I know for sure that it has been beneficial. Women have seen before their eyes how alcohol affected the families so they understand the benefits of the ban. Q 8: There is also a significant revenue loss angle to this. It’s said that nearly Rs 20,000 crore in revenue was lost because of the ban. A 8: But to remove social evils, if there is some loss of revenue or profit, then that’s acceptable. We do politics to make society, not only to come to power. Q 9: This time, Rajnath ji, one more factor has been talked about a lot—the Prashant Kishor factor. People are saying this time it’s a fight involving him too. Prashant Kishor ji has formed his new party, Jan Suraaj. For the past three years, he has been going from village to village in Bihar, sharing his ideas. So, how big do you think the PK factor is? How much vote share will he get? Whose votes will he cut into more—yours or the Mahagathbandhan’s? A 9: Look, I believe that factor is insignificant. Not significant enough to even consider. You see, over time, as people have continued to cast their votes, the public of this country has become politically very aware. They now understand very well who is standing in elections just to cut votes and who wants to form the government. People in Bihar know he may not win a single seat. Q 10: Where on one hand you spoke about Jeevika Didis being a game changer, on the other hand, the Opposition is promising government jobs in every household. You mocked him but now your party has promised 1 crore jobs. How’s that possible? A 10: Tejashwi’s promise is not deliverable. They are talking about giving government jobs. We too will provide government employment wherever necessary. But more importantly, we want to ensure that everyone has work in their hands—some means of livelihood. And we make sure not to make false promises or let such things happen. That’s why, whatever we say, we say it after careful consideration. We never bring differences in our words and deeds to being out a crisis in politics. Q 11: Rajnath-ji, one more important question: you had earlier criticised the culture of freebies. But if you look today, in every state, whether it’s Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, or now Bihar, a lot of promises are being made. How is this even possible? How will all this be funded? Where will the revenue come from? You too have promised free electricity. You’ve said that you have already given direct benefit transfers to around 1 crore 40 lakh women. Now there’s talk of increasing this to Rs 2 lakh rupees. Where will all this money come from? A 11: We have made well-calculated estimates. Whatever free units or benefits we are offering are within those calculations. I believe these measures will help improve their economic condition and increase their purchasing capacity. Q 12: So, schemes like Ladki Behna in other states focus on direct benefit transfers. How is your Jeevika Didi scheme different? Does it focus more on entrepreneurship? A 12: Yes, through this, every woman will be able to improve her economic condition, thereby contributing to the state’s economy in her own way. When purchasing power and capacity to earn increase, it strengthens the overall economic layer of society. Parties should carefully calculate what they can actually provide and then make those promises. For instance, under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Rs 6,000 that we offer every year has benefited farmers. With that, production of food grains and other goods also rises. We make assurances with long-term vision. Q 13: Let’s move a little further, towards SIR. Rahul-ji and Tejashwi-ji both raised the issue of voter lists in Bihar. They claim that around 65 lakh people have been deregistered in the state, and that this benefits your party because those voters were originally theirs. A 13: But they haven’t been able to present even a single concrete case. The Election Commission has repeatedly said: if you have any complaints, please bring them to us, we are ready to investigate. Yet, over the same issue, they keep talking about “dropping a hydrogen bomb” or an “atom bomb”, but in reality, they haven’t even managed to light a small firecracker. Q 14: He (Rahul Gandhi) had said that what happened in Haryana and Maharashtra was a theft of votes, which he says will happen in Bihar too. According to him, is it some kind of attempt to bypass the democratic process? A 14: He took out a padyatra for the same but they found nothing. Now he is discussing elections that are done and dusted. You can’t do politics for long by conning people. Q 15: The rest of the opposition parties, whether it’s Mamata Banerjee or Stalin, say they won’t let SIR happen in their states. They say you are trying to remove legitimate voters. A 15: Their statements are actually violating the democratic process concerning legitimate voters. And I want to ask them—those who have come from outside, the infiltrators whose names were on the rolls in Bihar—are now being removed. There are also many people who have permanently moved away from Bihar in search of livelihood or those who passed away. Only their names won’t be in the voter list. Q 16: There is one very controversial statement given by Rahul Gandhi which even you have responded to. I would like to understand it better. He had said only 10% people are running the Armed Forces. Why did he say this? What is his logic and rationale? What would you like to say? A 16: Look, what I want to say is whatever he says, he tries to create anarchy in this country. He does this because he understands well that he cannot win public trust or support through his actions, deeds or work. So, he keeps making baseless statements to mislead people. But I believe healthy politics is one which does not mislead people or throw dust in their eyes, it is about taking people into confidence. Q 17: So, politics should not drag the armed forces into such issues… A 17: There is no question…As far as the armed forces are concerned, I believe they have only one religion…he spoke about reservation and other things… Armed forces have only one religion—a military duty. The armed forces have people from all religions. You will see people from all castes, religions and sects are in our armed forces. Everyone follows their own religion and religious practices. The priests who perform those rituals are also present there. There is no discrimination of any kind, no casteism, no communal or sectarian bias in our Army. I believe that he should leave the armed forces out of such statements. He should not drag the armed forces into politics. Q 18: Rajnath ji, the Opposition had earlier raised a lot of noise about the Agniveer scheme as well. Although the four-year scheme is set to end in 2026, do you think, given the country’s situation and security concerns, you’ll be able to retain more than 25 per cent of the people? A 18: Look, Agniveer is a very good, well-designed scheme. We have also said that after completing the four years, those Agniveers who leave the service will certainly be provided with arrangements for placement. If they want to take up employment, we will ensure the necessary funding and systems to help them find jobs. Q 19: So more than 25 per cent… A 19: We wanted to ensure youthfulness in the Army. I believe this is very important, and the decision was taken on that basis…But I believe there is no reason for anyone to be worried about their future. We have complete clarity in our concept about this. We will not let anyone be harmed or treated unfairly. Hearing this, the people will be reassured. Q 20: Donald Trump has said that Pakistan is conducting a nuclear test. He also said that seeing Russia and China doing this, it is possible that America, too, may try something similar. A 20: They can do it if they wish… Q 21: What will India do? Will India also do a nuclear test? A 21: What India will do, the future will tell. Everybody can do what they want. I don’t want to say anything on this. Be it Pakistan, America, they can do what they want…India will not take steps under pressure or fear. India will take steps that it thinks are necessary in its interest. Right steps at the right time… Appropriate steps at the right time. Q 22: After Operation Sindoor, I’m speaking to you for the first time. I remember that in 2024, you had said, “This is not old India. We will go into people’s homes and kill”. You said it so forcefully that even the international media highlighted… A 22: …We proved it by doing so… Q 23: Yes. You proved it with Operation Sindoor. But some believe that you stopped a bit too soon. Why did you stop so quickly? Those people wanted you to teach Pakistan a lesson. A 23: I want to make one thing clear. There were calls coming from Pakistan’s DGMO. After those calls, this happened. We are not warmongers—some people are the kind who want war and confrontation, but India never wants that. If repeated demands are coming from their side that it should be stopped or restrained, then we considered it. We did what we had to do. We realised there was no reason to escalate this war further. If need arises, we will act again. Q 24: You people keep saying this repeatedly. Do you still think the situation is such that Operation Sindoor will have to be done again? A 24: That is for the future to decide…what will happen and how is uncertain. But I want to make this clear about Operation Sindoor that it is not finished, it is halted for the time being. Q 25: Because you had also… A 25: Look at what precautions we took. Terrorists had secretly infiltrated our borders and killed our innocent citizens. We targeted only their terrorist centres. We did not target the ordinary citizens in Pakistan. Despite taking such steps, people accuse our government of discrimination on grounds of religious or caste. India is a country where our sages considered not just those living in our borders, but the entire world as one family. If the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has gone to the world from any place, it is from your and mine Indian soil. Q 26: You have stated this very clearly. Not just today but earlier as well. Your government says that between India and Pakistan, there was no one else. It was only because of their [Pakistan’s] insistence that the war was stopped. A 26: Operation Sindoor was not halted under anyone’s pressure or at anyone’s request. I want to state this plainly in simple words. You know I take full precaution in political matters that I should never lie. No one can point to any political decision of mine…If something happened in my childhood, I cannot speak to that. But I am cautious. I am human and mistakes can happen, but on this matter, I stand fully by what I am saying. Q 27: President Trump has repeatedly said that he played a major role in getting this [war] shut down, and because we did not agree with him, we are paying the price — tariffs have been imposed on us, and there are various visa restrictions coming in. Despite all this, you have now signed a 10-year defence pact with Pete Hegseth this year with the US. Why? A 27: He is saying that and still they made a pact with us, right? This means all indications are positive. Q 28: Do you believe that the tense situation that had developed between the two countries is now better than before? A 28. Now we will have to think about whether the tension is there or not or what it is. I cannot say exactly what the situation is. Only those who are talking about it can explain. Q 29: This time, we reprimanded Pakistan and taught them a lesson, along with the terrorist camps, we also destroyed 11 of their defence bases and inflicted damage. A 29: We destroyed. Q 30: Despite that, Pakistan’s General Asim Munir got a promotion. He says all kinds of things. Will Pakistan ever stop these kinds of actions? A 30: He got a promotion or took it, one can never say about Pakistan. There, the Army is dominant. Q 31: Let’s move a bit away from Pakistan and talk about Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi ji, had come here, and during that time there was also a clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan even carried out a bombing in Kabul. Pakistan is saying that India is behind all this — they are hinting at our role. What would like to say? A 31: Those are completely baseless, unsubstantiated accusations. We do not seek or encourage any kind of confrontation. We want peace in the world. We are in favour of peace. We will not provoke anyone or encourage conflict with anyone. But if someone teases or provokes us, we will not spare them. Our policy on this is clear. Q 32: Afghanistan and Pakistan… A 32: We do not use crutches to defend our self-respect. We do it ourselves. We take decisions on our own and take required actions on our own. But our fundamental outlook is that we do not want conflict in the world. Q 33: The problem between Afghanistan and Pakistan that has been going on is about the Durand Line—it’s a dispute over the Durand Line. My question to you is simple: what is India’s position on this? A 33: Whatever the issue, all the countries involved should sit down and settle it by negotiation. We do not want to intervene in another country’s affairs. If both countries agree that there should be outside interference and that an impartial process of dialogue should be started, then the matter can be considered at that time. We do not believe in ‘maan na maan, main tera mehmaan’ (whether you like it or not, I am your guest). Q 34: So you think this is their internal matter… A 34: This is an internal matter. They will decide. Q 35: Bangladesh’s interim leader, Mohammad Yunus, often gives provocative statements. Recently, he gave a map to a Pakistani general in which the northeast of India was shown as part of Bangladesh. What do you have to say about this? A 35: This is very unfortunate, and he should avoid such actions. We want to maintain better relations with our neighbouring countries. We do not want any kind of tension with our neighbouring countries. Q 36: Rajnath-ji, the larger question that arises is this—earlier, we used to deal mainly with Pakistan, our problem was with Pakistan. After Galwan, we also had a tense atmosphere with China. Now Bangladesh. So, is it that there is a kind of unrest on all three fronts? Have three fronts opened up for us? How will we deal with this, and how will we move forward? A 36: As many problems or challenges may come before us…India has the capability to meet all those challenges. We can face every difficulty and find solutions. But we are people who believe in peace, we do not want unrest. However, this does not mean that India is a coward. If India’s sovereignty is harmed, India will give a strong response. That is all I want to say. The situation in our neighbouring countries should also be calm and normal, that is our thinking. As far as our neighbouring countries are concerned, we want to maintain good relations with them. Our leader Atal-ji used to say repeatedly that we must always remain cautious and remember that in life you can change your friends, but you can never change your neighbours. Q 37: You’ve made a very important point. You have been defence minister for a long time — let’s talk a little about the changes and reforms that have come after you took office. I’d like you to explain a bit. In today’s era, air superiority is very important. A 37: We have already demonstrated our superiority. Q 38: Yes, absolutely. My questions come from that point. Recently, we finally retired the MiG-21, its replacement is the Tejas, in which we have confidence. Where exactly do we stand—are the discussions progressing properly with GE or is there any delay? Are we considering any alternatives? A 38: Look, GE, Safran, there are many companies involved in this field. To some extent, we have already advanced. I don’t want to disclose details here because this matter will be decided in the CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security), so I shouldn’t speak too much about it. We have concept clarity. Within a year, we will reach a position where we will build the engines for these fighter planes in India, on Indian soil, by Indian hands. Q 39: That’s a big statement. We will do that, and we will also procure some from abroad. A 30: For the moment, we do need to source engines from abroad. Q 40: Are we under any American pressure? A 40: There is no pressure. Even for what we buy from abroad, we will not compromise on our terms. It may well be possible, a strong possibility, that we can say, “Okay, we will buy engines from you, but the manufacturing must happen in India.” And that they must transfer technology to us. Q 41: Are you in talks with any company? A 41: I don’t want to reveal details, but what I’m saying is not baseless…accept it as a fact. Which company, what will be done, which companies we are talking to, I can’t reveal the details. Q 42: We are in talks with French company Safran about jointly developing an engine for a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. When will it arrive, when will we get the first engine—can you explain a little in detail about that, as you’ve mentioned earlier? A 42: Our effort is to bring engine manufacturing to India as soon as possible. As soon as possible. This matter will be decided by the CCS and it will happen very quickly. Q 43: So, collaboration with foreign companies is possible, but the manufacturing will be in India. A 43: Our effort is that whoever we get into an agreement with, should transfer the technology too. Q 44: So, regarding the fifth-generation fighter — the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), its design has been completed? How far has the work progressed? A 44: The progress is good, satisfactory. Q 45: So can you give any timelines for it? A 45: It should happen soon. Q 46: Some experts are saying it could take up to 10 years for the entire process to be completed. Is that correct? A 46: It may take time, but I don’t think it will take 10 years. Q 47: It will happen before 10 years? A 47: It may happen even before that. Q 48: Under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project, we are to acquire 114 Rafale jets. Please tell us something about its progress, and also how our experience with the Rafale was during Operation Sindoor. A 48: The experience was very good. Rafale has performed remarkably, it is an excellent fighter aircraft. Q 49: So these 114 Rafales… by when will this be completed? A 49: You have to wait, these things take time. Discussions are going on, and it may take some time. But overall, the progress is reasonably good. Q 50: We’ve seen that drones play a very big role in modern warfare, even in Operation Sindoor we witnessed this. So, is there a delay in India receiving MQ-9 drones from the US? And what is your view on indigenous drones? A 50: Work on indigenous drones has already begun. These drones will be made here in India. As per the timeline that was set for MQ-9 drones, I believe the delivery should happen accordingly. Q 51: Are we buying more S-400 missile systems from Russia? And is there any discussion about manufacturing the Russian SU-57 jet in India? A 51: We do need the S-400. If we get the opportunity, we’ll buy them. I would not like to say anything regarding SU-57 jet at the moment. Q 52: Speaking of BrahMos missiles — they proved to be quite effective during Operation Sindoor. Several countries have also shown interest in them. Will this have a major impact on India’s defence exports? A 52: It will have a very big impact. Our export numbers are set to rise. As of now, we have achieved exports worth approximately Rs 25,000 crore. Our target is that by the end of 2029–30, our defence exports should reach at least Rs 50,000 crore. And we are confident that we will successfully achieve that goal. We have also accelerated the process of indigenisation. We have decided that, no matter what, many of our defence items will be manufactured in India — on Indian soil, by Indians. We have prepared an indigenisation list. It includes about 550 items that we will not import from any foreign country. Similarly, for certain local replacement units, we have identified around 5,000 such components that we will no longer procure from abroad. Out of these, production of around 2,000 to 2,500 items has already begun in India. The advances made in self-reliance within India’s defence sector are indeed very encouraging. Q 53: When will the test of the Agni-6 missile take place? It’s our longest intercontinental ballistic missile and has been much talked about. A 53: Just wait and watch. Everything will go well. Q 54: Is the nuclear submarine project delayed? The project has an estimated cost of Rs 1 lakh crore. A 54: I wouldn’t say it’s delayed, but yes, there has been a slight setback. However, the progress is very good. It has improved significantly compared to earlier stages. Q 55: When we talk about self-reliance and indigenisation, would you also say that our weapon systems and platforms should be entirely our own and that we shouldn’t depend on anyone else? A 55: When it comes to our defence equipment and weapons, we do not want to depend on other countries. We aim to become completely self-reliant, and our efforts are moving in that direction. I would like to say that the progress so far has been good. Q 56: What about theatrisation—the proposed unified command of the Army, Navy, and Air Force? By when do you think it will be implemented? A 56: I won’t specify a timeline right now; it isn’t possible to do so at this stage. But I can say that our progress on theatrisation has been good. Q 57: The Army chief said the progress is going well, but has the Air Force raised any objections or issues, and how are you dealing with it? A 57: The Air Force has not registered any objections with us so far. But whatever we do, we will do it after taking the Army, Air Force, and Navy into confidence. Q 58: The armed forces are conducting large-scale exercises. Are these routine exercises, or are you anticipating a threat? A 58: There is no threat. These are routine exercises that continue to take place, and they are going on these days as well. Q 59: Tensions have eased on the LAC, but de-escalation has not happened. A 59: There has been de-escalation at several points. You must have seen China’s statement where they said they want to normalise the situation with India at the LAC. I spoke with the Chinese Defence Minister when I went to attend the ADMM-Plus. We had a very good discussion. They said they want military-to-military meetings to continue so that no tense situation comes up again. Q 60: This is a very big development. Does it mean we can trust China? A 60: They have said it, and we (India) have also agreed on this. When I went to the SCO meeting, I held a meeting with the Chinese Defence Minister. I said clearly that the ice on India-China ties should melt down, or not — and how long will the ice be there? There should be a clear decision on this. I also requested that the President (Xi) should convey this message. I felt good that the Chinese Defence Minister said in our recent meeting that they are ready for discussions and want to find a way to resolve differences of opinion on the LAC. Q 61: It feels from these meetings that there will be concrete steps further. A 61: It should definitely happen. Q 62: I want to ask you about the Uttar Pradesh elections. A 62: We will form the government. Q 63: No government has come to power in Uttar Pradesh after two terms. A 63: Jo kabhi nahi hua tha, woh sab Bharat mein ho raha hai. (Things that never happened are now happening in India.) Q 64: Looking at the results of the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, do you think the BJP will form the government again? And on what issues will these elections be held? A 64: The Parliament elections were different. Don’t link that with this (2027 polls). There must have been some circumstances for those elections. Yogi Adityanath is running the government very well. You must have seen how successful Uttar Pradesh is now in managing law and order. Law and order is the first requirement of development. If the law and order situation is good, then development will happen fast — and it is going on now. Q 65: So you will take development as the issue in the UP polls. A 65: We take development as an issue in every election. Whenever our governments seek re-election, we go to the people with development as the issue. Because we have done the development, and that’s why we discuss it. Q 66: When will the next BJP president be announced? A 66: I think the name will be announced after the Bihar elections. Q 67: It means the names have been finalised. A 67: We don’t have issues. Our people sit, discuss, and decide. Q 68: Then why did it take so long? Mohan Bhagwat was saying that if it were in his hands, he would have done it earlier. Is there any difference with the RSS on this? A 68: The RSS does not interfere in our political affairs. It is true that we are sevaks of the RSS and will remain so throughout our lives. But the RSS never interferes in our political affairs. Q 69: You joined the RSS at a young age. How did you come in contact with the RSS? How did the RSS shape your political life? A 69: When I was in high school, I came in contact with the Tehsil Pracharak. From then, I started going to Sangh Shakhas. The environment and the things they teach you—about how to live your life and inculcate patriotic feelings—these things affected me. Q 70: Who inspired you in the RSS? A 70: There are many people—from the RSS chief to many people at the lower levels of the RSS. Their commitment to society and the nation affected me. Q 71: Rajnath-ji, we are thankful to you for giving your time and answering our questions. You were seen on different channels of News18. News18 Bihar is the biggest channel in Bihar; we have an 80% share there. Wishing you well for the Bihar election. A 71: Thank you.
