SRINAGAR, MAY 15: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, declared a major shift in Indiaโs national security stance by stating that any future terror attacks on Indian soil would be considered acts of war. He emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Indiaโs counter-terrorism policy has become more assertive.
Singh warned Pakistan that its continued support for terrorism would invite severe consequences. While reaffirming Indiaโs commitment to peace, he stressed that any violation of Indiaโs sovereignty would be met with decisive retaliation.
He praised Operation Sindoor, calling it Indiaโs most significant anti-terror effort and a clear signal to terror outfits and their supporters. โThe operation wasnโt just military โ it was a statement. We struck the terrorists for their crimes, fulfilling every soldierโs duty,โ Singh said, adding that Indiaโs forces targeted every terrorist hideout with precision and left the enemy to assess the damage.
Addressing the issue of Pakistanโs nuclear threats, Singh dismissed it as โnuclear blackmailโ and questioned the safety of such weapons in what he called an โirresponsible and rogue nation.โ He urged global powers to place Pakistanโs nuclear arsenal under IAEA oversight.
Referring to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Singh said it was a clear attempt to divide Indian society. He recounted Pakistanโs past promises โ including those made to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee โ and accused Islamabad of repeatedly betraying its word.
He drew an economic contrast between the two countries, noting that while Pakistan seeks aid from the IMF, India is now among the countries that contribute to it โ highlighting their contrasting global standings.
Reiterating Indiaโs uncompromising position, Singh said any dialogue with Pakistan would only concern terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He firmly stated that โtalks and terror cannot go together.โ
Paying tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and the soldiers martyred during Operation Sindoor, Singh also acknowledged the bravery of injured personnel and praised the Armed Forces for destroying enemy bunkers. โIndia is proud of its soldiers,โ he said.
Singh highlighted Indiaโs focus on strengthening its military with advanced home-grown technologies โ including missiles, drones, and air defense systems. He noted improved connectivity along the LoC and LAC as part of the governmentโs effort to support the Armed Forces.
He ended by assuring soldiers that the government and citizens of India stand with them in the fight against terrorism. โTogether, we will eliminate terrorism and protect Indiaโs sovereignty,โ he concluded.
The event was also attended by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and other senior army officials.