Rajnath Singh Asserts Operation Sindoor a Strategic Success, Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed Parliament on Monday with a resolute declaration that India had paused Operation Sindoor on May 10, only after accomplishing all strategic politico-military objectives.
In a significant 55-minute speech that set the tone for a broader national security debate, Singh made it clear that the cessation of military operations was not a result of any external pressure, as alleged by some, but a well-calibrated decision aligned with national interest.
He warned in unequivocal terms that any future provocation from Pakistan would be met with a swift and decisive resumption of military action.
Operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation for the heinous April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which shook the nation and prompted a sharp military response. Rajnath Singh categorically dismissed the narrative suggesting that India yielded to diplomatic or international pressure.
He termed such suggestions “unfounded and wrong,” firmly stating that “today’s India thinks and acts differently.”
“If the adversary uses terrorism as a strategy and refuses to understand the language of peace, then standing firm and being decisive is the only option,” Singh emphasised, reflecting the government’s clear doctrine of zero tolerance towards terror.
The Defence Minister noted that over 100 terrorists, including top commanders, handlers, and trainers from terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, had been neutralised during the operation. He praised the seamless coordination between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, calling the action an “unmatched example of triservices synergy.”
Rajnath Singh’s address was part of a larger, much-anticipated discussion in the Lok Sabha, with 32 speakers from the ruling NDA commending the military strikes on nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir conducted on May 7.
These were followed by a four-day-long high-intensity exchange of fire. The speakers hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, portraying it as pivotal in shaping India’s aggressive yet strategic response to cross-border terrorism.
However, the Opposition’s 20-member contingent raised concerns about the decision-making process. They questioned whether Operation Sindoor was halted under external diplomatic pressure and criticised what they perceived as intelligence failures that allowed the Pahalgam attack to occur.
They also invoked former US President Donald Trump’s claim that he helped negotiate a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, hinting at foreign influence over India’s decision to pause hostilities.
Responding forcefully, Singh said:
“Terror is a political toolkit for Pakistan. Our results speak louder than the tools of propaganda. You ask about lost aircraft or equipment? In every examination, the result matters. Whether a pencil breaks or a pen is lost is irrelevant when the goal is achieved. Our military’s objectives were fully met.”
The Minister’s remarks drew thunderous applause from the treasury benches. He reiterated that India’s political leadership would always act decisively and independently to protect national security.
“Our missiles are not confined to borders, and our brave soldiers will shatter the enemy’s backbone when it comes to self-defence,” Singh declared, reinforcing the government’s aggressive deterrence posture.
In a striking rhetorical flourish, Singh asked critics to direct their questions toward the outcome of the operation, not its tools or metrics:
“Ask whether India destroyed the terrorists’ hideouts? Yes. Ask whether Operation Sindoor was successful? Yes. Did it eliminate the masterminds who tried to erase our sisters’ sindoor? Yes. Did our soldiers suffer losses? The answer is no.”
He said the country cannot afford to be distracted by trivial debates and must focus on the bigger picture of national honour and the morale of the armed forces.
Detailing the operational planning and strategic rationale, Singh said the armed forces had meticulously studied every dimension before initiating the strikes.
“We had many options on the table, but we selected the one that would inflict maximum damage on terrorists and their infrastructure, without causing suffering to the civilian population of Pakistan.”
He elaborated on the multi-dimensional coordination:
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Indian Air Force (IAF) spearheaded targeted airstrikes on terrorist launchpads.
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The Indian Army followed through with swift land action to secure tactical positions.
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The Indian Navy deployed its fleet in the northern Arabian Sea, sending a stern signal that India was prepared for full-spectrum retaliation if required.
Rajnath Singh clarified that Operation Sindoor was never intended to trigger a full-scale war, but rather to coerce Pakistan into acknowledging India’s military superiority and deter future provocations. He said when the IAF attacked Pakistani airfields and struck critical infrastructure, Pakistan realised the futility of escalation and contacted the Indian Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), seeking a ceasefire.
“We agreed to pause the operation, not end it. If Pakistan again indulges in misadventure, we will respond even more decisively,” Singh warned.
