Controversial Statements by India’s Defense Minister: “The Taliban Are Children of Israel”.
Rajnath Singh, India’s Defense Minister, made controversial remarks regarding the Taliban, Pakistan, and regional security dynamics during the inauguration of a medium-caliber ammunition factory operated by Surya Industries on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Singh claimed that Pakistan is a common enemy of India and the Taliban, and asserted that Afghanistan’s Taliban and India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) adhere to a “shared faith,” statements that have drawn widespread media attention.
Singh further claimed that the RSS follows the “Sanatan” (eternal) religion, to which the Taliban also belong.
Using provocative language, he described the activities of young RSS members as a “religious jihad” and referred to the Taliban as religious warriors.
The defense minister also stated that India is allied with Israel and labeled the Taliban as “children of Israel,” emphasizing that neither India nor the Taliban seek war with Israel; according to him, this shared connection necessitates that India and the Taliban “move forward together.”
In another part of his speech, Singh indirectly criticized neighboring countries, especially Pakistan and China, labeling them unpredictable and unstable.
He stressed that India cannot predict when it might need weapons and therefore must achieve self-reliance in defense production.
Singh noted that past shortages in ammunition had limited the effective use of military equipment, and developing domestic defense industries is crucial for the country’s national security.
