Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday that India’s nuclear tests in 1998 delivered a message to the world, while it is a peaceful country, it will not tolerate any step taken against its self-respect.

Speaking at the National Technology Day celebrations, Mr. Singh said India has learned from external aggressors that destroyed the hub of learning at Nalanda and the culture icon at Somnath.

During the event, which also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 1998 Pokhran -II nuclear tests, Mr. Singh said, “We have learned our lessons from history and resolved that we will not allow such history to be repeated”.

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The defence minister further said, “India’s nuclear tests conveyed a message to the world that we may be a peace-loving nation but we will not see a Nalanda burn again. We will not tolerate our cultural icon like Somnath to be ravaged again”.

“We will give a befitting reply to every step taken against our self-respect”, the defence minister added.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, and renowned scientists.

(With input from PTI)

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