Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha during the debate on Operation Sindoor, delivered a detailed rebuttal to allegations raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Modi asserted that the Indian armed forces were given complete operational freedom and dismissed claims that India sought a premature ceasefire.
During his 40-minute address, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of restricting military action during Operation Sindoor, suggesting that pilots were sent into conflict with their “hands tied.” He cited statements from officials, including defence attaché Captain Shiv Kumar, pointing to aircraft losses due to political constraints.
In response, Modi said the forces had full autonomy to determine the timing and scale of the operation. “They decided when, where, and how to strike. Pakistan was taught a hard lesson and still suffers sleepless nights,” he declared.
Rahul Gandhi also alleged that India called for a ceasefire just 22 minutes into the operation. He claimed that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh instructed the Indian Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to tell Pakistan that India wanted no escalation. Modi dismissed this claim, stating that Pakistan itself pleaded for a ceasefire. “In 22 minutes, we avenged the April 22 attack. Pakistan could do nothing. They said, ‘Stop, we cannot take more’,” he said.
Gandhi pointed out that former US President Donald Trump claimed to have brokered the ceasefire multiple times. Modi responded that no foreign leader influenced India’s decisions, reiterating that Pakistan was the one to request peace.
On allegations that India lost five fighter jets during the operation, Gandhi blamed political leadership, not the military. Modi criticized this, saying it reflected a tendency to believe Pakistan over the Indian armed forces.
Gandhi also argued that no country had directly condemned Pakistan. Modi countered by saying that while nearly all nations condemned terrorism, only three supported Pakistan. “The world stood with India—except the Congress,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks were met with loud applause from ruling party members, reinforcing his claim that India acted decisively and independently during Operation Sindoor.
