In a significant statement that has sparked widespread discussion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has invoked BJP veteran LK Advani's reflections on Sindh's deep civilisational connections with India, suggesting that "borders can change" and that Sindh might eventually return to Indian territory.
Historical Context and Civilisational Bonds
Speaking at a Sindhi community gathering in New Delhi on Sunday, Singh referenced Advani's writings about the emotional and cultural ties that bind Sindh to India despite geographical separation. The Defence Minister emphasized that Sindhi Hindus of Advani's generation had never fully accepted the Partition that placed Sindh within Pakistan's boundaries in 1947.
"Advani ji wrote in one of his books that Sindhi Hindus, especially those of his generation, still haven't accepted the matter of separation of Sindh from India," Singh told the assembled crowd, though he didn't specify the title of the book he was quoting from.
The Sacred Indus River Connection
Singh highlighted the religious significance of the Indus River, known as Sindhu in Hindi, explaining its sacred status for both Hindu and Muslim communities in the region. He noted that many Muslims in Sindh consider the waters of the Indus as holy as the Aab-e-Zamzam of Mecca, underscoring the shared cultural heritage that transcends religious boundaries.
The Defence Minister elaborated on the enduring cultural significance, stating that although the Indus River and the entire Sindh province currently lie across the border, their importance in Indian consciousness "remains as strong as thousands of years ago."
Political Implications and Future Possibilities
Singh's most notable remark came when he directly addressed the possibility of territorial changes, stating: "Today, the land of Sindh may not be a part of India, but civilisationally, Sindh will always be a part of India. And as far as land is concerned, borders can change. Who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India."
The Defence Minister also referenced India's national anthem, which includes "Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha" in its lyrics, as evidence of the enduring connection between Sindh and the Indian cultural consciousness.
Singh's comments carry additional significance given Advani's personal connection to the region. Advani, born in 1927 in Karachi, had often expressed sorrow that his birthplace was no longer within India, once remarking that the country felt "incomplete without Sindh."
The statement comes at a time of ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, though the Defence Minister framed his remarks within the context of cultural and civilisational continuity rather than immediate political claims.
