Says “Op Sindoor Ended On Pakistan’s Request; India Granted A Conditional Pause, Not A Permanent Halt”
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that India is ready to assist Pakistan in combating terrorism if Pakistan is unable to manage the situation independently.
During a discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Rajya Sabha, Singh emphasized that Indian forces are equipped to address threats both domestically and across borders. He highlighted that Operation Sindoor was initiated in response to an April attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 fatalities, with three perpetrators subsequently located and killed. Singh noted that the operation was authorized following a meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with military leaders, aiming to dismantle camps used for planning terrorist activities and to convey India’s intolerance towards cross-border violence. Although the operation has been paused due to a request from Pakistan’s military leadership, Singh indicated that military action could resume if further incidents occur. He clarified that the operation was designed to target only those directly involved in terrorism, intentionally avoiding civilian areas to prevent collateral damage. Additionally, Singh questioned the appropriateness of Pakistan’s involvement in international counter-terrorism efforts, urging the global community to reassess financial support to Pakistan, which he claimed was being misused to support hostile elements. He also suggested that there may come a time when individuals in Pakistan-controlled areas might express a desire to join India. The session in the Rajya Sabha faced disruptions as opposition members protested and exited after being denied speaking opportunities.
