World Watching India’s Rise Closely, But Need Not Fear It: Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi 

Chandigarh, July 27, 2025: The world is watching India’s rise closely, but there is no need for world to fear us, said Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Rajya Sabha MP, while delivering the 4th Shri Balramji Dass Tandon Memorial Lecture at Panjab University, Chandigarh, today.
The event was attended by a large number of faculty members, students, scholars, and dignitaries. It was organised to commemorate the enduring legacy of Shri Balramji Dass Tandon, a veteran leader and respected statesman.
Describing him as a “Path Pradarshak Deepak” (guiding lamp) of society, Dr. Trivedi paid rich tributes to Balramji Dass Tandon for his contributions to the RSS, BJP, and the region. Lauding Tandon for his unwavering dedication to public service and organisational discipline, he referred to him as the “foundation stone of the bright building which we are seeing now.”
Speaking on the theme “Why a Strong India Scares the World,” Dr. Trivedi highlighted India’s economic, strategic, and cultural ascent under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He underscored that India now accounts for 48 percent of global digital transactions, has 50 percent of its installed power capacity from clean energy, and is the fastest-growing economy among major countries. Citing the IMF and Morgan Stanley, he affirmed that India is expected to be the engine of global growth and has lifted 16 crore people out of extreme poverty. He also noted India’s co-chairing of the Global AI Summit as a marker of its growing international leadership.
Quoting Prime Minister Modi, Dr. Trivedi stressed that “this is the right time” for India, and that those attempting to create confusion will not succeed. India’s strength, he said, lies not only in its economic, military, and intellectual capabilities but also in its spiritual and cultural power—unique assets that position India to shape the world order. He cited the UN resolution on Yoga, co-sponsored by 177 countries, as a strong example of India's growing soft power.
Referring to India’s strong responses to terrorism — including the surgical strikes in Uri, Balakot airstrikes, and Operation Sindoor — he emphasised that New India does not tolerate terror. He said that Operation Sindoor proved that nuclear threats do not work and marked the end of India’s era as a soft state.
Explaining the communication between India’s External Affairs Minister and his Pakistani counterpart, Dr. Trivedi said that India’s operation began at 1:05 AM and concluded at 1:27 AM. Pakistan was informed at 1:30 AM, and it was clarified that the strike was against terrorists, not Pakistan’s military installations. He described it as a trap that Pakistan failed to recognise, which exposed the collusion of state and non-state actors within Pakistan.
Referring to the ceasefire, he said that in the modern world and current circumstances, India could not afford a perpetual state of war. He emphasised that the world is seeking alternatives to China for industrial investment and that India is best positioned to offer this. “We accomplished our objectives, and the long-term interests of the country were protected,” he added.
Dr. Trivedi stated that India is the only country in the world that has received the S-400 missile system from Russia and advanced drone systems from the USA. He explained that Russia does not supply arms to any QUAD member country, and the USA does not supply defense equipment to any country receiving arms from Russia. This, he said, is proof of India’s tactfulness.
Touching on trade relations, Dr. Trivedi remarked that the United Kingdom is more eager for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) than India, reflecting India’s rising economic stature. “India is steadily becoming an economic superpower,” he said.
PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig highlighted the rich history and contribution of Panjab University both before and after India’s independence. She spoke about the unique character of the University, which has continued its journey from being the fourth oldest university to becoming a modern inter-state body corporate, with a number of advanced facilities and notable achievements to its credit.
Sanjay Tandon, President of the host foundation, highlighted the teachings and high moral values of Shri Balramji Dass Tandon. He shared various examples from the 1965 and 1971 wars and the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing parallels with his father's values and underlining the importance of probity and being a karma yogi in public life.
Ashwani Sharma, Working President, BJP Punjab and Guest of Honour, supported the demand to bestow the Padma award posthumously to Shri Balramji Dass Tandon for his contributions to society and the nation. He also shared his personal experiences while working with Shri Tandon.
PU Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma presented the vote of thanks. Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, Ayurdeva expert Acharya Manish, Punjab BJP Vice President, Subhash Sharma, President of Chandigarh BJP unit Jatinder Pal Malhotra and noted Rotarian Rajendra Kumar Saboo were also present on the occasion.