Shloka 4.18.27
वाली–रामसंवादः (Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma)
सुग्रीवेण च मे सख्यं लक्ष्मणेन यथा तथा।दारराज्यनिमित्तं च निःश्रेयसि रत स्स मे4.18.26।।प्रतिज्ञा च मया दत्ता तदा वानरसन्निधौ।प्रतिज्ञा च कथं शक्या मद्विधेनानवेक्षितुम्4.18.27।।
sugrīveṇa ca me sakhyaṃ lakṣmaṇena yathā tathā | dārarājyānimittaṃ ca niḥśreyasi rataś ca me (4.18.26) || pratijñā ca mayā dattā tadā vānarasannidhau | pratijñā ca kathaṃ śakyā madvidhenānavekṣitum (4.18.27) ||
(Repeated) My friendship with Sugriva is as firm as with Lakshmana; it is to restore his wife and his kingdom, for a righteous end. I gave my pledge publicly before the vānaras—how could I ever set aside such a promise?
'My friendship with Sugriva is as strong as that with Lakshmana. Its motive is the recovery of his wife and sovereignty. I have promised this to him in the presence of monkeys. How can a pledge remain unhonoured by a person like me? How is it possible?
The same dharma as 4.18.26: satya and pledge-keeping are non-negotiable, especially when undertaken for a just cause.
A repeated reading in the provided text reiterates Rama’s justification: he is bound by public promise to Sugriva.
Consistency and truthfulness: Rama’s commitment remains unwavering even under accusation.