India’s politico-military response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism reached a new threshold with Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Armed Forces on May 06 and 07, 2025. The operation was a direct consequence of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in which 26 innocent civilians, including a Nepali citizen, were killed based on their religion. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, addressing the Lok Sabha, described the attack as the vilest example of inhumanity and a test of India’s tolerance. He asserted that the objective of Operation Sindoor was not territorial conquest but the elimination of terror nurseries nurtured by Pakistan and delivering justice to the victims of cross-border terrorism.
The operation was a demonstration of India’s military capability, national resolve, morality and political acumen. Rajnath Singh emphasised that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism is not random madness but a well-planned strategy rooted in fundamental rage. He stated that India’s response was decisive and proportionate, targeting nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These strikes resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists, trainers, handlers and associates, primarily from Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, all of which enjoy open support from the Pakistan Army and ISI. The strikes were carried out with precision, ensuring no harm to Pakistani civilians.
On May 10, 2025, Pakistan retaliated with missiles, drones, rockets and electronic warfare technologies, targeting Indian Air Force bases, Army ammunition depots, airports and military cantonments. However, India’s air defence systems, including the S400, Akash Missile System and air defence guns, successfully neutralised every threat. No Indian assets were damaged, and the security system proved foolproof. Rajnath Singh praised the Armed Forces for their bravery and determination, stating that Pakistan failed to hit any Indian targets.
India’s counterattack was swift and effective. The Indian Air Force targeted Pakistan’s airbases, command and control centres, military infrastructure and air defence systems on the Western Front. The retaliatory strikes were precise and proportionate, compelling Pakistan to offer a ceasefire. On May 10, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart to halt hostilities. Formal talks on May 12 led to the suspension of operations. Rajnath Singh clarified that the operation was paused, not ended, and warned that any future misadventure by Pakistan would trigger an even more intense and decisive response.
Operation Sindoor was marked by exemplary coordination among the tri-services. The Indian Air Force executed aerial strikes, the Indian Army held firm along the Line of Control and responded to every provocation, while the Indian Navy strengthened its deployment in the North Arabian Sea, sending a clear message of readiness and capability to Pakistan. Rajnath Singh rejected claims that the operation was halted under pressure, stating that all political and military objectives had been achieved.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Rajnath Singh reiterated that India’s peace efforts have been misunderstood as weakness. Surgical strikes in 2016, the Balakot air strike in 2019 and Operation Sindoor in 2025 reflect India’s clear stance that terrorism and dialogue cannot coexist. He stated that talks are meant for civilised, democratic nations, not for a country like Pakistan, which thrives on religious fanaticism, terrorism and hatred against India.
Pakistan’s use of terrorism as a tool of state policy was condemned. Rajnath Singh highlighted that Pakistan arranged state funerals for terrorists, attended by military officers, and targets innocent civilians, children and pilgrims. He asserted that Pakistan’s Army and ISI use terrorism as a proxy war to destabilise India. He warned that those who dream of giving India a thousand cuts must remember that this is the New India, capable of going to any extent against terrorism.
India’s conflict with Pakistan, according to Rajnath Singh, is not a border dispute but a clash between civilisation and barbarism. Pakistan’s leaders, aware of their military inferiority, resort to terrorism while portraying themselves as victims. India’s fight against terrorism is ideological as well as military. Rajnath Singh expressed gratitude to global delegations that supported India’s stance and acknowledged the unity shown by political parties during Operation Sindoor.
He assured the nation that the Government, Armed Forces and democratic institutions are committed to taking every necessary step to safeguard the unity, integrity and security of India.
