'India's Opponents Also Praised Its Stand On Russia-Ukraine War': Rajnath Singh

According to the Minister, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has also praised India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. (Source: Getty Images)

New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that India's worldwide image has changed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and that the country's stance on the present Russia-Ukraine conflict is being appreciated everywhere.

Speaking with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers during a ‘Holi Milan’ event in Lucknow, Singh said, “India’s global image has changed in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. All countries across the world now listen carefully when India speaks…India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine war is being welcomed by everyone. India’s opponents also praised India’s stand on the issue,” news agency ANI reported

According to the Minister, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has also praised India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Singh's remark comes only days after Pakistan's Prime Minister praised the Narendra Modi government's 'neutral' foreign policy in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating it is for the development of people.

Earlier, Imran Khan had said, “I praise our neighbouring country Hindustan. They have always had an independent foreign policy. Today, India is the US’s ally, and they are part of QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue that includes the US, Australia and Japan). (But) they say they are neutral.”

“They are importing oil from Russia despite sanctions (imposed by the US-led West in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine] because their policy is for the betterment of people,” he said.

Prime Minister Imran Khan made the remarks during a public rally in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Malakand district, his party's home turf in Pakistan. Addressing BJP workers, Singh also stated that the BJP's role in shaping India's worldwide image is genuine, and that "I want India to be self-sufficient."

"For the first time, a 400 billion dollar export has been done from India," the Minister stated.

In terms of the defence industry, Singh stated, “we are determined to manufacture all defence materials here… If we will not be able to manufacture all defence items needed by India, we will not be able to achieve the goal of self-reliant India”.

The Defence Minister also complimented the Indian government for its involvement in saving the lives of its own people during the COVID-19 epidemic by developing an indigenous vaccine and exporting it to other nations.

Noting that India is a festival country, Singh stated that all of the festivals observed in the country have a purpose.

In addition to these festivities, the Minister stated that we (Indians) celebrate the festival of democracy.

In reference to the BJP's recent victories in five of the four Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, and Manipur, the Minister stated, "in this democratic festival, BJP converted it into 'Kesariya' colour, and the credit belongs to the people of the country and party supporters."

(With ANI Inputs)