NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed concerns on Thursday regarding the long-standing Sir Creek dispute between India and Pakistan, citing issues with Pakistan’s intentions as a barrier to dialogue, even 78 years after independence. The Sir Creek issue pertains to a boundary dispute in the Rann of Kutch region, where the creek meets the Arabian Sea.
“Even after 78 years of independence, disputes over the border in the Sir Creek area are being stirred up. India has made several attempts to resolve this through dialogue, but there is a flaw in Pakistan’s intentions; they are not clear. Recent expansions of military infrastructure by the Pakistan Army in areas near Sir Creek reveal their intentions,” Singh stated.
The Defence Minister emphasized that the Indian Army is actively safeguarding the borders and warned that any provocation from Pakistan will be met with strong countermeasures. “The Indian Army and BSF are vigilantly protecting the borders of India. If any misadventure is attempted from the Pakistan side in the Sir Creek area, it will receive a response so decisive that both history and geography will change. During the 1965 war, the Indian Army demonstrated its capability to reach Lahore. Today, Pakistan should remember that one route to Karachi passes through the creek,” Singh warned.
Additionally, Singh lauded Operation Sindoor, highlighting its effectiveness in neutralizing threats, and criticized Pakistan’s “failed” attempts to breach India’s defenses. “During Operation Sindoor, our armed forces demonstrated that we could track and eliminate forces challenging India’s sovereignty, regardless of their location. No power in the world will find India sitting silently if it challenges our sovereignty. Today, India asserts that whether it is terrorism or any other issue, we have the capability to address and defeat it,” he remarked.
He noted that despite India’s military capabilities, the nation’s aim is not to escalate tensions or initiate war. Singh stated, “Despite our capabilities, we exercised restraint because our military action was targeted against terrorism. Escalating the situation and waging war was not the objective of Operation Sindoor. I am pleased that Indian forces have successfully achieved all military objectives of Operation Sindoor. However, our fight against terrorism continues.”
