Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, following his impactful visit to troops in Srinagar, is scheduled to visit the Bhuj Air Force Station in Gujarat on Friday, underscoring the government’s continued engagement with India’s armed forces following Operation Sindoor.
While addressing soldiers at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, Singh lauded the Indian Army’s surgical precision in striking terror infrastructure across the border. The visit marked his first interaction with the troops after the launch of Operation Sindoor, which was India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead, including a Nepali national.
“Our forces have shown the world their precision and resolve; the counting is left to our enemies,” Singh remarked, reinforcing the message that India is prepared to neutralize terror threats at their source.
The Defence Minister launched a scathing attack on Pakistan’s repeated nuclear posturing, calling it irresponsible and dangerous. In a bold statement, Singh said:
“Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation? Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal should be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
He further emphasized that India will not be intimidated by nuclear threats, adding that the international community must take note of the security risks posed by Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, especially given its history of supporting cross-border terrorism.
Paying homage to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the soldiers martyred in Operation Sindoor, Singh conveyed the nation’s grief and pride.
“I come here today with a message from the people of India: ‘We are proud of our Forces’,” he said.
The Defence Minister reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-standing position:
“Terrorism and talks cannot go together. If talks are held, they will only be about terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK).”
Singh also issued a stern warning, saying any unwarranted action from across the border would be met with force, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace, conditional upon Pakistan halting its support for terror groups.
The Srinagar interaction was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and other top military officials.
Rajnath Singh’s visit to Bhuj Air Force Station comes as a morale booster to the forces and underlines the government’s strategy of decisive counter-terrorism, diplomatic assertiveness, and regional deterrence in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.