Defence Minister Met Garud Commandos from Operation Sindoor

During his address to Indian Army soldiers at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar on May 15, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has redefined India’s counter-terrorism policy, stating that any attack on Indian soil would now be treated as an act of war. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace but stressed that any violation of its sovereignty would be met with a strong response. Highlighting Pakistan’s continued support to terrorism, he warned that Islamabad would pay a heavier price if it does not stop sheltering anti-India elements.

The Defence Minister described Operation Sindoor as the most significant anti-terror operation in India’s history, emphasizing the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism at its roots. He praised the Indian Armed Forces for their precision and courage in avenging the Pahalgam attack, stating that while terrorists targeted Indians based on their religion, India retaliated based on their actions. He said this operation had sent a powerful message to terrorist groups and their handlers in Pakistan that they are not safe anywhere.

Rajnath Singh strongly condemned Pakistan’s repeated nuclear threats, calling them irresponsible. He urged the international community to question the safety of nuclear weapons in Pakistan’s hands and called for their oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Reflecting on past assurances made by Pakistan to end terrorism, he accused the country of continuing to deceive India and reiterated that talks with Pakistan would only proceed on the issues of terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The Defence Minister also drew attention to Pakistan’s economic troubles, contrasting them with India’s growing global stature as a contributor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He paid tribute to the civilians killed in the Pahalgam attack and the soldiers who laid down their lives during Operation Sindoor, lauding their bravery and wishing the injured a swift recovery.

Rajnath Singh assured that the Government remains committed to modernizing the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure. He highlighted progress in domestic manufacturing of modern rifles, missile shields, and drones, as well as improved connectivity along the Line of Control and Line of Actual Control. He reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering support to the military and expressed confidence in India's eventual success in completely eliminating terrorism.

The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other senior army officials.