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New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday, hit out at Pakistan Army Asim Munir, for his comparison of India to a luxury car and Pakistan to a dump truck.

“Everyone knows that if two nations gain independence at the same time, and one-through hard work, foresight, and sound policies – builds an economy like a Ferrari, while the other remains in the state of a dumper, it reflects their own failure. I see this statement by Asim Munir as exactly that – a confession,’ Singh said.

The Pakistan Army chief had made this statement at an event in Florida, USA, earlier this month. The statement had led to widespread rebuke, even from Pakistanis. Munir had said: “India is a shining Mercedes coming on a highway like a Ferrari, but we are a dump truck full of gravel. If the truck hits the car, who is going to be the loser?”. He had called this a ‘crude analogy’, but Netizens had not spared him.

They had quickly latched on the metaphor, pointing out that it inadvertently highlighted Pakistan’s lag behind India, turning the statement into more of a self-own than a geopolitical strategy.

Munir had also issued nuclear threats during the same US trip. Speaking at a black-tie dinner in Tampa hosted by businessman and honorary consul Adnan Asad, he had warned: “We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we’ll take half the world down with us.”

This statement of his had been condemned by leaders across the world. India had also expressed shock at a such a statement being made against it by Pakistan in a third nation.

Singh, during the day, highlighted India’s strides in defense technology, particularly in the development of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is likely to be ready for induction around 2035.

“We are moving towards manufacturing aircraft engines in India itself, collaborating with the French company Safran,” the defence minister said, adding: “Our Tejas aircraft is set to become a shining example of India’s indigenous defense capabilities. While challenges exist, we are committed to finding solutions and establishing full fighter aircraft production in India.”

While Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets are getting inducted, Tejas Mark 2s are likely to complete trials around 2028.

Singh also emphasized India’s push to involve the private sector in strategic defense projects.

“We are providing the private sector with an environment for growth. Opportunities for constructing Mega Defence Programmes – including fighter planes, helicopters, tanks, and submarines-are being opened through the Strategic Partnership Model. This will help our private companies become global giants in the coming years,” he said.