Starting a war with Pakistan was not the reason why Operation Sindoor was started, said the Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, on Thursday, while reaffirming that New Delhi’s fight against terrorism will continue. He then lauded and said that the Indian Armed Forces successfully achieved all the objectives of the operation. On the eve of Vijayadashami (Dussehra), and after ‘Shastra Puja’ (worship of weapons) in Bhuj, Singh addressed the group of soldiers.
"During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan made an unsuccessful attempt to penetrate India's defence system from Leh to Sir Creek. However, in retaliatory action, Indian forces completely exposed the Pakistani air defence system and sent a message to the world that Indian forces can inflict heavy losses on Pakistan whenever and wherever they wish," the defence minister cited.
"Escalating it and starting a war was not the objective of Operation Sindoor. I am happy that Indian forces have successfully achieved all the military objectives of Operation Sindoor. But our fight against terrorism continues," he said.
India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ was a retaliatory attack that destroyed nine terror infrastructures established in Pakistan. This was a befitting reply to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 unarmed men, the majority of them civilians. Following the operation, the military conflict escalated between the two Asian neighbours, leading to a four-day intense clash that ended with a “ceasefire understanding” on May 10.
"In the 1965 war, the Indian Army had demonstrated the capability to reach Lahore. Today, in 2025, Pakistan should remember that one route to Karachi passes through the creek. It was the jointness of our armed forces that executed Operation Sindoor in record time. On this occasion today, I also want to extend special congratulations to our brave soldiers and officers for the success of Operation Sindoor," Singh said.
"Your strategy, your courage, and your capability have proven that India is capable of defeating the enemy in every situation. I am fully confident that the courage of all of you, the valour of all of you will continue to protect India's sovereignty and integrity," he added.
Singh then referred Army, Navy, and Air Force as the “three pillars” of India’s strength.
"When these three services work together, only then can we effectively face every challenge," he said, adding, “India has repeatedly attempted to resolve this issue through dialogue, but Pakistan's intentions are flawed and unclear. The recent expansion of its military infrastructure in the areas adjacent to Sir Creek reveals its intentions.”
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