Won't attack first, but if threatened, India will take 'big step': Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India had never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt but if its interests were threatened, "we will not hesitate to take a big step".

On the occasion of Vijayadashami, he performed "Shastra Puja" (worship of weapons) at the Sukna military station in West Bengal, and said the ritual was a "clear indication that, if need be, weapons and equipment will be used with full force".

The Sukna-based 33 Corps is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Sikkim sector.

"India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt. We fight only when someone insults or tries to harm our integrity and sovereignty; when war is waged against religion, truth and human values. This is what we have inherited. We will continue to preserve this heritage," he said in a statement issued by the Defence Ministry.

"However, if our interests are threatened, we will not hesitate to take a big step. 'Shastra Puja' is a clear indication that, if need be, the weapons, equipment will be used with full force," he said.

Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister shared photographs of the ritual on X.

"The rituals, performed to seek blessings for strength, success and safety, reaffirm the cultural and spiritual depth of Dussehra, underscoring the pivotal role of weapon systems in safeguarding the country," the statement said.