Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s strategic restraint and military precision in its response to the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that Operation Sindoor showcased not just power, but discipline and coordination on a global stage.
Addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Summit in New Delhi, Singh said India could have inflicted greater damage during the operation but chose restraint to set an international example.
“We first destroyed the terrorist hideouts and then the enemy’s airbases. Karne ko hum kuch aur bhi kar sakte the (We could have done even more), but we opted to act with control and purpose,” Singh declared to loud applause.
The Defence Minister confirmed that over 100 militants from Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen were eliminated during the precision strikes conducted on May 7, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
In retaliation to cross-border shelling and drone incursions by Pakistan, India reportedly targeted 11 Pakistani military airbases, causing heavy infrastructural damage.
In a clear policy shift, Singh stated that India’s dialogue with Pakistan will now only focus on two issues: terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“We have redefined our approach. There will be no talks on trade or diplomacy until terrorism ends. The only conversation with Pakistan will be about ending terror and reclaiming PoK,” he said.
Calling PoK residents “part of the Indian family,” Singh reiterated India’s emotional and cultural ties with the people across the Line of Control.
“There are only a few misled souls there. The day is not far when our people in PoK will say: ‘Main Bharatiya hoon, wapas aaya hoon’ (I am Indian, and I have returned),” he affirmed.
The Defence Minister also lauded the Make in India initiative for transforming the country’s defence sector.
“Self-reliance in defence production has made us faster, stronger, and more prepared. Our response in Operation Sindoor is proof of this newfound readiness.”
A cessation of hostilities was declared on May 10, but tensions remain high along the border. Singh’s remarks underline India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and reflect a firm stance that military might will be matched by policy clarity.
As India balances power with principle, the message from New Delhi is unmistakable: terrorism will be crushed, and PoK remains a non-negotiable goal.
