Defence Minister says India ended Operation Sindoor on its own terms and was ready for a prolonged conflict
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday delivered a strong message on national security, accusing Pakistan of consistently backing terrorism and describing it as the hub of “international terrorism,” while asserting that India has adopted a firm and decisive response to terror threats.
Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0 in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh contrasted India’s global standing in innovation with Pakistan’s alleged role in promoting terrorism.
Rajnath targets Pakistan over terror support
The Defence Minister said that while India has earned worldwide recognition for its advancements in information technology, Pakistan has built a reputation as the centre of “another IT — International Terrorism.”
His remarks were among the strongest public statements made by the government in recent months regarding cross-border terrorism, and reflected New Delhi’s increasingly aggressive posture on national security.
Operation Sindoor halted on India’s terms
Referring to Operation Sindoor, launched after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Rajnath Singh said the military operation was halted voluntarily and not because of any operational limitation.
He stressed that India had the capacity and readiness to continue the operation for a longer duration if needed, but chose to stop it on its own terms.
According to him, the mission demonstrated India’s preparedness for an extended conflict while proving that the country would respond with force when provoked.
India ignored nuclear threats
The Defence Minister also revealed that India was threatened with a nuclear strike during the confrontation but dismissed it as intimidation.
He said India did not succumb to what he called a “bluff,” and maintained strategic confidence throughout the operation.
The statement underscored the government’s message that India remains prepared to face both conventional and strategic threats without backing down.
Military coordination highlighted
Praising the armed forces, Rajnath Singh said the Army, Navy and Air Force operated under a unified strategy during Operation Sindoor, reflecting the growing integration of India’s defence capabilities.
He said the coordinated response marked a significant evolution in military planning, showing that India’s defence forces now function as a joint operational force rather than separate units.
Political backing for terror criticised
In a sharp criticism of Pakistan, the Defence Minister said terrorism survives not only through violent actions but also through ideological and political support.
He argued that the real roots of terrorism lie in the systems that justify or protect it, adding that any attempt to defend terrorism in the name of religion or ideology amounts to aiding extremist forces.
The remarks came as the country approaches the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, which was launched after 26 civilians were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.
Operation Sindoor marked strategic shift
Launched in May 2025, Operation Sindoor targeted major terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, marking one of India’s most aggressive cross-border responses to terrorism in recent years.
According to official figures, the strikes eliminated over 100 terrorists and damaged critical militant infrastructure.
