New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has sparked a debate with his remarks about the potential for future border changes, specifically mentioning the Sindh province of Pakistan. Speaking at a Sindhi Samaj Sammelan (Sindhi Community Gathering) in Delhi on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Singh stated that "borders can change" and that "one day Sindh region in Pakistan may return to India".
Singh emphasized the deep civilizational connection between India and Sindh, noting that Sindh will always remain a part of India culturally. He referenced the sentiments of Sindhi Hindus, including L.K. Advani, who, according to Singh, never fully accepted the separation of Sindh from India during the Partition of 1947. He quoted Advani from one of his books, though he did not specify the title, stating that Sindhi Hindus of Advani's generation still haven't accepted Sindh's separation.
Singh highlighted the shared reverence for the Indus River (Sindhu in Hindi) among Hindus and many Muslims in the Sindh region. He noted that the Indus River is considered sacred not only in Sindh but throughout India, and that many Muslims in Sindh view its water with a similar reverence to the Aab-e-Zamzam of Mecca.
"Today, the land of Sindh may not be a part of India, but civilisationally, Sindh will always be a part of India," Singh said. "And as far as land is concerned, borders can change. Who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India". He added, "Our people of Sindh, who hold the Indus River sacred, will always be our own; no matter where they are, they will always be ours".
Singh also touched upon the inclusion of the word "Sindh" in India's national anthem, referencing a Supreme Court ruling in 2005 that upheld its inclusion. He stated that this inclusion signifies the region's enduring cultural and civilizational importance to India, regardless of current political boundaries.
Furthermore, Singh reiterated the government's stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), asserting that it is an integral part of India and will eventually merge with the country because the people there desire freedom from Pakistani occupation.
Singh acknowledged the resilience of the Sindhi community, who rebuilt their lives after the Partition. He praised their contributions to India's economic and social landscape, highlighting their courage and entrepreneurial spirit. He also criticized past governments for not providing adequate rehabilitation to Sindhis and other minority communities who faced persecution in neighboring countries. He said that the current government has allowed persecuted minorities from neighboring nations to stay in India without passports until 2024.
These remarks follow a statement made by Singh in September, where he noted growing voices within PoK for integration with India, further emphasizing India's position on the matter.
