Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) conference in New Delhi on Thursday, stressed that India’s reaction to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor was strong yet restrained. He pointed out that although the Indian armed forces were capable of inflicting greater damage, the leadership exercised self-restraint and strategic mastery, leading by example in the world.
“You witnessed how we initially destroyed the terrorist camps and then the military bases and airbases of the enemy,” Singh said. “‘Karne ko hum kuch aur bhi kar sakte the’ (We could have done even more), but we showed a very good example of power coordination and restraint to the world.”
Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7 as a response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The Indian army targeted terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, leading to the killing of more than 100 militants. In retaliation against Pakistan’s shelling and drone activity along the border, India conducted strikes that heavily damaged 11 Pakistani airbases and important military infrastructure.
Singh elaborated that the mission was proportional and effective, reflecting India’s changing strategic thinking. On May 10, both nations issued a statement of understanding for the halting of hostilities.
He went on to state that the policy of India vis-à-vis Pakistan has seen a major change. “We have redefined and redesigned India’s posture against terrorism. From now onward, whenever there are talks, they will only be on terrorism and PoK. There will be no talk with Pakistan on any other subject,” Singh stated.
Reiterating India’s deep cultural tie with PoK people, Singh said, “The PoK people are our people. They belong to our family.” He was certain that these citizens, though geographically and politically divided, still retained close emotional and cultural affinities with India.
“Only a few have been misguided. India has always thought of uniting hearts. the day is not long when our own PoK will come back and say: I am Indian, and I have returned,” Singh concluded, looking on the bright side of the future integration of the region with India.
