Events in Afghanistan raise questions about use of terror as a tool to change state structures, warns Rajnath Singh

Addressing the graduates of 59th National Defence College (NDC) course (2019 batch) during their convocation ceremony in New Delhi, Singh called for proactive synergy among the Armed Forces in future military strategies and responses to safeguard the interests of the nation.

He said the bold approach of the Government on issues like border disputes and cross-border terrorism has made India stronger in the recent past and it has now assumed a greater global role and responsibility.

Speaking on the Galwan conflict, he said: "Threats to internal and external security will no longer be tolerated. Our actions in Balakot and Galwan are clear signals to all aggressors."

Sharing his views on the situation in Afghanistan, Rajnath Singh said the developments have highlighted the reality of our times.

"The only certainty about evolving geopolitics is its uncertainty. Changes in state boundaries may not be as frequent today. However, the fast-transforming structure of states and the influence that external powers can have on it is clearly evident," he said.

Singh emphasised on the need to draw lessons from the situation in Afghanistan, far beyond the immediate reverberations being felt in the region and beyond.

“When these events are viewed, it is tempting to believe that terrorism, fear, medieval thoughts and actions, discrimination drawn on the basis of gender, practices that are seeped in inequality and dogmatic thought, can sweep aside the wishes of the people, plural ideas and inclusive structures," Singh said.

"Nothing can be farther from reality. And human history is a great teacher in this regard. Injustice, however powerful, cannot and will not defeat the collective power of the goodness that is inherent to human existence," he said.

"This sentiment is evident from an increasing number of world capitals which have lent their voice in favour of liberalism, inclusivity and respect for international norms of governance and behaviour,” said  Rajnath Singh.