Rajnath Singh Warns of Rising White-Collar Terrorism in India

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has raised concerns about the growing trend of white-collar terrorism in India, particularly highlighting the involvement of educated professionals in anti-national activities. Speaking at Bhupal Nobles University, he used the recent Delhi bomb blast as an example to illustrate that education alone does not guarantee ethical behavior. Singh emphasized the importance of integrating moral values into education and expressed optimism about India's economic future, projecting the nation to become the third-largest economy by 2030. His remarks underscore the critical need for a holistic approach to education that fosters both knowledge and character.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 3, 2026, 10:32 IST

Concerns Over White-Collar Terrorism

On Friday, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh raised alarms about the alarming trend of white-collar terrorism emerging across the nation. Speaking at the 104th foundation day of Bhupal Nobles University in Udaipur, he expressed deep concern regarding the involvement of highly educated professionals in anti-social and anti-national activities, stating that academic achievements seem to be drifting away from moral values.

Example of the Delhi Bomb Blast

During his address, Singh referenced the car bomb explosion that occurred near the Red Fort in Delhi on November 10 as a pertinent example. He noted that the individuals accused in this attack were educated doctors, highlighting that mere education does not guarantee ethical behavior.

The Threat of White-Collar Terrorism

Singh remarked, "A dangerous trend of white-collar terrorism is emerging in our country today. Highly educated individuals are working against society and the nation. The bombers in Delhi were doctors—armed with degrees yet carrying RDX in their pockets. This underscores the necessity of possessing values and character alongside knowledge."

Details of the Bombing Incident

The bombing involved an explosive-laden i20 car driven by Dr. Umar-un-Nabi, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. Subsequently, authorities uncovered a white-collar terrorist module, leading to the arrest of several individuals, including three doctors: Muzammil Ganai, Adil Rather, and Shaheena Syed.

Education's True Purpose

The Defense Minister emphasized that the purpose of education extends beyond professional success; it also encompasses the development of ethics, values, and human character. He stated, "Any educational system that fails to fulfill this objective, which does not teach humility, character, and a sense of 'dharma' (right conduct), is incomplete." Singh pointed out that terrorists are not necessarily uneducated; they may hold university degrees but often lack understanding and values.

The Role of Religion and Morality

He further explained, "When I speak of dharma, it should not be associated solely with praying in temples, mosques, or churches. Dharma is a sense of duty. Without religion and morality, education will not be beneficial to society and can sometimes even be deadly. This is why educated individuals are sometimes found involved in crimes."

India's Economic and Technological Progress

Singh also discussed India's economic and technological advancements, noting that the country is currently the fourth-largest economy in the world and is on track to become the third-largest by 2030. He highlighted the crucial role universities play in this journey.

Optimism for India's Future

Beyond internal security challenges, the Defense Minister presented an optimistic outlook for India's military and economic future. He praised the "remarkable work" being done by Indian defense startups and expressed confidence that the country would achieve complete self-reliance in weapon systems within the next 15 to 20 years. Linking this progress to India's broader economic trajectory, he reiterated that the nation is on the path to becoming the third-largest economy by 2030. Finally, he urged the academic community to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to research, focusing on solving real-world social issues rather than merely aiming for publications in journals.