Rajnath Singh in Morocco: India Won't React Hastily to US Tariffs, Confident on PoK

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India chose not to react immediately to the 50% tariff imposed by the US under Donald Trump, calling India “broad-minded and big-hearted.” The duty includes a 25% penalty for India’s purchase of Russian oil.

Speaking to the Indian community in Morocco, Singh stressed that patience is India’s strength. His visit marks the first-ever trip by an Indian defence minister to the country.

During the trip, Singh will inaugurate a Tata Advanced Systems plant in Berrechid to produce wheeled armoured personnel carriers. This is the first Indian defence manufacturing facility in Africa. India and Morocco will also sign a defence cooperation MoU.

On security matters, Singh said Operation Sindoor in Jammu and Kashmir targeted terrorists based on their actions, not religion. “Terrorists killed people after asking their faith, but India struck only on their deeds, not religion,” he said.

Singh also voiced confidence about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying it will “return to India on its own” as local people are now demanding it.