Bhuj (Gujarat), May 16: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday delivered a strong message during his address to Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Bhuj Air Force Station, declaring that Operation Sindoor was only the beginning of a larger response, and not the end.
Referring to the IAF’s swift counterstrike following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, Singh said:
“Operation Sindoor is not over yet. Whatever happened was just a trailer. When the right time comes, we will show the full picture to the world.”
He warned Pakistan, saying:
“We have kept Pakistan on probation. If its behaviour improves, then okay. Otherwise, it will be given the strictest punishment.”
The Defence Minister paid tribute to the martyrs of the operation and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. He noted Bhuj’s historical significance in previous wars:
“Bhuj witnessed our victory over Pakistan in 1965 and 1971. Today, it again stands witness to another moment of triumph.”
Praising the IAF’s efficiency, Singh said the entire mission lasted just 23 minutes, enough to deliver a decisive blow to the terrorists and those harbouring them across the border.
“You accomplished in the time people take to eat breakfast what would take others hours. You crossed the border, dropped the missiles, and made the entire world take notice — not just of the firepower, but of your courage and precision.”
He also made a symbolic reference to India’s BrahMos missile, highlighting its power:
“Even Pakistan has accepted the power of BrahMos. There’s a saying in our country—‘din mein taare dekhna’—and that’s what Made-in-India BrahMos did: it lit up the night for our enemies.”
Drawing from his recent visits to Srinagar and now Bhuj, Singh commended the high morale of the armed forces across regions:
“Whether it is the northern front or the western front, I see unmatched energy and discipline in our armed forces. I am confident you are safeguarding the nation’s borders with unflinching dedication.”
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, marks one of the most decisive and rapid Indian military operations in response to cross-border terrorism. It underscores India’s evolving military doctrine that emphasizes swift retaliation and global messaging.