NEW DELHI – India’s military action against terrorism, “Operation Sindoor,” has been “paused, not ceased,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared on Tuesday in the Rajya Sabha. Singh firmly stated that the Union government is committed to eradicating terrorism in all its forms and will not succumb to any threats or “nuclear blackmail” from Pakistan.
Participating in a special discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Rajya Sabha, Singh also urged the international community and organizations to reconsider providing financial aid to Pakistan, asserting that a significant portion of these funds is diverted to finance terrorism. Addressing concerns raised by opposition leaders regarding the role of the US in the conflict, Singh clarified that the pause in military action was not announced “under any pressure,” directly refuting US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also later asserted that no foreign leader had asked India to pause Operation Sindoor.
“Our vision is that Operation Sindoor should carry on continuously. There can be a comma but no full stop,” Singh emphasized, explaining that India halted the military action following a request from the Pakistani side after India achieved its politico-military objectives. He issued a stern warning: “If Pakistan commits any terror incidents in future, we will relaunch Operation Sindoor without hesitation.”
The minister lauded the armed forces for conducting precision strikes against terror camps in Pakistan in May, ensuring no collateral damage to civilians, and reiterated that India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, “gives a befitting reply.” He maintained that the military action was in “self-defense” and “not expansionist.” Singh also credited the forces for neutralizing three terrorists on Monday who were involved in the April Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.
“India wants terrorism to end in the whole world, including Pakistan… I had advised Pakistan earlier as well, and today I want to say again, that if you are unable to take effective action against terrorism in Pakistan, take India’s help,” he offered. “Indian forces are capable of taking effective action against terrorism on this side of the border, as well as on the other side. Pakistan has already witnessed this during Operation Sindoor.”
Targeting the Opposition, particularly the Congress, for questioning the government on Indian casualties, Singh remarked that had previous governments taken decisive steps after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, Pakistan would have learned its lesson. He dismissed concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, stating, “Some people think we should only talk to Pakistan, since it has nuclear weapons…but this nuclear bluff has cost lives…we believe in giving a befitting response.”
Singh also expressed surprise at questions from some opposition leaders regarding why Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was not reclaimed during Operation Sindoor, boldly stating, “The day is not far when PoK will become a part of India again.” He underlined India’s new strategy to strengthen national security, highlighting Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India’s military capability, national resolve, morality, and political acumen.
Expressing concern over the appointment of Pakistan as the vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Panel by the United Nations Security Council, Singh said, “It is well-known that Pakistan had sheltered the mastermind of that attack… it is like putting the cat in charge of milk.” He further criticized Pakistan for allowing proscribed terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to roam freely and for senior Pakistan Army officers attending terrorists’ funerals, calling it “a mockery of the global fight against terrorism.”
Listing India’s advancements in the defense sector, Singh noted that under PM Modi’s leadership over the past 11 years, the defense budget has almost tripled from ₹2,53,346 crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹6,21,941 crore in FY 2024-25. Defence exports have also surged from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, with products being exported to about 100 countries. He set an ambitious target of reaching ₹30,000 crore in exports this year and ₹50,000 crore by 2029.