Says “Objectives Of Operation Fully Met, Strikes Were Precise, Avoided Civilian Areas; Terrorism & Talks Can’t Go Together”
“We prioritise peace, but military action remains open if Pak repeats cross-border terror; India now responds with action, not dossiers, to dismantle roots of terrorism
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s position that terrorism and dialogue cannot coexist, emphasizing that Operation Sindoor, initiated after the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities, is poised to resume with increased intensity if Pakistan engages in further provocations.
Defence Minister termed the operation as a decisive military response that successfully met its objectives without civilian casualties, targeting terrorist camps and their supporters rather than seeking territorial gains or escalating to full-scale war. Singh detailed that the operation involved coordinated strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, completed in just 22 minutes, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists. He noted that key Pakistani air bases were also targeted and that Pakistan was informed in advance about the nature of the strikes to ensure they were perceived as non-escalatory. Singh rejected claims that the operation was paused due to external pressures, asserting that it was halted only after achieving its defined political and military goals. Reflecting on India’s historical attempts to foster peaceful relations with Pakistan, Singh stated that past gestures of friendship were met with hostility, leading to a shift in strategy towards a more assertive military response. He highlighted the government’s commitment to operational freedom for the armed forces, allowing them to select targets and respond decisively to threats. Singh referenced previous military actions, such as the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, as part of a new approach to national security under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. The Defence Minister criticized the previous government’s inadequate response to the 2008 Mumbai attacks and noted that the current administration has adopted a proactive stance against terrorism, focusing on dismantling its sources rather than merely documenting incidents. He emphasized that India’s policy under Modi is structured and clear, aimed at addressing national security threats directly and effectively.
