Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed ‘Operation Sindoor’ as the most significant response to terrorism in India’s history during his visit to Srinagar on Thursday. This operation was launched in retaliation for the brutal Pahalgam attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians, mostly tourists.
Upon his arrival in the Kashmir valley, Singh visited the IAF base and Badami Bagh cantonment, where he addressed soldiers and conveyed the nation’s gratitude for their courage and dedication in executing Operation Sindoor. Accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Chief of Army Staff, Singh emphasised the importance of this operation in countering terrorism emanating from across the border.
“I believe Operation Sindoor is so far the biggest ever response to terrorism by India,” Singh said. “Terrorists have targeted innocents based on ‘dharam’, and our actions against them are rooted in their ‘karam’.” His remarks came as India’s commitment to holding those responsible for terror accountable.
The Defence Minister further elaborated on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s redefined approach towards terrorism, asserting that any violations from Pakistan would elicit a strong response. “No violation will be tolerated,” he warned, adding that discussions with Pakistan would only focus on issues related to Pakistan-Occupied Jammu Kashmir and terrorism.
Singh also raised concerns about the safety of nuclear weapons in Pakistan, calling for international scrutiny and intervention.
Background on Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched in the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, where militants ambushed a group of unarmed tourists, resulting in multiple civilian casualties. The attack shocked the nation and prompted swift action from security forces. Unlike previous cross-border operations, Operation Sindoor involved synchronized air and ground strategies, with the Indian Air Force conducting precision strikes on suspected terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.
The operation derives its name from “Sindoor,” symbolizing the sacred red of sacrifice and valor in Indian culture. It aimed not just at neutralizing threats, but also at sending a strong geopolitical message: that India will not tolerate terror and will respond with strength and strategy.
Security experts consider Operation Sindoor a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism posture, highlighting the use of real-time intelligence, rapid deployment, and symbolic messaging — such as invoking cultural motifs like the Shiv Tandav — to galvanize national sentiment and project strength globally
