‘No One Stopped India’: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Addresses Operation Sindoor’s Future
NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commented on the potential for a second and third phase of Operation Sindoor during an event with the Indian community in Morocco on Monday. He echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statements, indicating that the military operation against terrorism could be resumed. However, Singh did not specify details regarding the timing or nature of any future actions.
“Whether part 2 or part 3 remains to be done cannot be determined at this time. It depends on Pakistan’s behavior. If they engage in terrorist activities, they will receive a response,” Singh stated. He reiterated that the operation had only been temporarily halted and affirmed that it could be resumed if necessary.
In discussing the military response following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, Singh indicated, “The first question I posed in our meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, the three service chiefs, and the defence secretary was whether they were prepared for an operation if the government decided to proceed. I am pleased to report that they responded without hesitation, affirming their readiness.”
Singh further recounted that after consulting Prime Minister Modi, they proceeded with actions that extended beyond the border, targeting terrorist camps located 100 kilometers within Pakistan. He referenced statements made by a top terrorist of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which highlighted the impact of India’s operations.
Modi has previously emphasized that India has merely paused its military responses and remains vigilant to any forthcoming terror threats.
Moving forward, Singh highlighted a crucial distinction: “The terrorists questioned our citizens based on their religion before committing violence. However, we do not consider religion; we focus on actions.”
On the matter of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Singh asserted, “PoK will belong to us on its own. There have been calls in PoK, which you may have heard.” He recalled asserting five years prior at an Indian Army event in Kashmir, “We will not need to attack or capture PoK; it belongs to us already. One day, PoK will proclaim, ‘I am also India.'”
Operation Sindoor was initiated following the Pahalgam attack, prompting armed forces to carry out precision strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, resulting in the elimination of over 100 militants. The operation also included targeted strikes on Pakistani air bases amidst escalating tensions.
