Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India was prepared for a prolonged conflict with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and had halted the operation voluntarily on its own terms. Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, he asserted that India’s military capabilities remain strong and ready to respond decisively to any future threats or escalations.
Addressing the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, Defence Minister Singh said, “During Operation Sindoor, we precisely targeted those who had attacked us. And I want to clarify here again that we didn’t stop this operation because our capabilities had diminished. We stopped it voluntarily, on our own terms, and if necessary, we were fully prepared for a long war. And we also had surge capacity, the ability to expand our capabilities in times of sudden need. Not only did we have it, but we still have it, and it’s even more robust than before. Therefore, I don’t think there’s any need to say anything more.”
India launched Operation Sindoor to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 innocent, unarmed people were killed. As part of the operation, India targeted over nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Way to combat terrorism
Defense Minister Singh stated that the only way to combat terrorism is to eliminate its operational, ideological, and political support.
“Terrorism is not just an anti-national act; it has multi-dimensions, and terrorism can only be dealt with if we tackle it in all its three dimensions, operational, ideological, and political. The true IP address of terrorism is its ideological and political roots, where it thrives. The ideological nourishment and political patronage of terrorism is the nectar in Ravana’s navel, which, after cutting off one head, regenerates another. I believe it is essential to dry up this navel that gives life to terrorism,” he said.
Defence Minister Singh said that although India and Pakistan gained independence at the same time, India surged ahead in Information Technology; however, Pakistan failed to do so due to its consistent support of terrorism.
“We have always seen that countries like Pakistan have consistently supported terrorism. Both India and Pakistan gained independence at the same time, but today, India is known worldwide for its Information Technology, while Pakistan is considered the epicentre of other IT, i.e., International Terrorism. Our military industrial complex has proven that it is not only for the period of peace, but it is also prepared for rapid supply during wartime. We were even threatened with a nuclear attack, but we did not fall for that bluff,” he added.
Pahalgam to Operation Sindoor
The Pahalgam attack took place on May 1, 2025, in which 26 people were killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. Following the attack, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting over nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), destroying terror infrastructure and killing over 100 terrorists.
Pakistan responded with drone attacks and shelling. India retaliated, leading to a four-day conflict between the two neighbouring countries. During the conflict, India inflicted heavy damage. Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO, and a ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10.
