India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has proclaimed Operation Sindoor a full success, with all objectives met, while reiterating that the country’s struggle against cross-border terrorism is far from done.
Addressing soldiers at a forward military camp in Bhuj, Gujarat, Singh emphasized that the operation sent a clear message about India’s determination and readiness.
Singh reported that Pakistan had launched a large-scale attack on India’s defenses ranging from Leh in Ladakh to Sir Creek in Gujarat, but the offensive was foiled on all fronts. He praised the Indian military for responding with precision and coordination across all services, ensuring that Pakistani gains were prevented.
This integrated defense effort, he added, underlined India’s developing ability to conduct joint operations, a long-term reform that has become key to military planning.
In his remarks, the minister stated unequivocally that India’s response not only repelled the Pakistani attempt, but also exposed fundamental flaws in Pakistan’s air defense systems. The counterattack revealed that Indian troops possessed both a technological advantage and operational flexibility to enter hostile networks and neutralise threats. Singh underlined that this was a psychological and strategic setback for Pakistan.
At the same time, Singh was cautious to emphasize that Operation Sindoor was not intended to spark a full-scale conflict. Instead, it had a clear mission: to punish and discourage terrorist behavior directed from across the border. He stressed that India was attacking terrorism and its infrastructure, rather than pursuing escalation for its own purpose. This distinction, Singh argued, was critical to maintaining India’s legitimacy as a responsible power.
Singh’s evaluation is that India’s military has reached a high level of readiness and deterrence in the Western theatre. However, he warned troops and the general public that the fight against terrorism is continuing and demands continued vigilance. Future confrontations, he said, would be faced with the same readiness and decisive punishment if Pakistan-sponsored acts continued.
The remarks came shortly before a traditional shastra puja (worship of weapons) ceremony at the Bhuj air base to commemorate Dussehra. Singh utilized the occasion to connect India’s martial heritage with modern defense preparation, emphasizing that the strength of the armed forces resided not just in weaponry, but also in national unity and soldiering spirit.
