New Delhi (National Times): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh kick-started a high-voltage debate in the Lok Sabha on Monday with a powerful and detailed account of Operation Sindoor, India’s strategic military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Singh praised the valour of Indian soldiers, outlined the precision of the strikes, and asserted that India’s actions were aimed at neutralizing terror infrastructure, not escalating war.
“I begin by paying heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the country,” said Singh, addressing the House. “Operation Sindoor was a calibrated, well-planned military initiative. Within just 22 minutes, nine terror hubs across the border were precisely targeted, and over 100 terrorists, along with their handlers and trainers, were eliminated.”
According to Singh, the terror infrastructures belonged to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, long backed by Pakistan. “This action was an act of self-defence, not an act of provocation,” he stressed.
Pakistan’s Failed Retaliation
Following India’s precision strikes, Singh revealed that Pakistan launched a counteroffensive on May 10, 2025, around 1:30 AM, using a mix of missiles, drones, and long-range rockets. “Their attack was met with an impregnable shield,” he said, lauding India’s S-400 systems, Akash missile batteries, air defence guns, and advanced counter-drone systems. “None of our critical assets were hit. Not a single soldier was harmed.”
He clarified that India’s operation was paused only after its pre-set political and military objectives were fulfilled, not due to any external pressure. “The narrative that Operation Sindoor was paused under international or diplomatic pressure is utterly false,” Singh said. “As someone who has never believed in lies in public life, I say this with utmost responsibility.”
Strategic Clarity, No Intent of Territorial Gain
The Defence Minister dispelled speculation about any expansionist motive behind the operation. “Capturing territory was never the goal,” he said. “The only aim was to destroy the terror nurseries nurtured by Pakistan for years. This was about justice for those killed in the Pahalgam attack.”
On the Opposition’s criticism and inquiries into whether any Indian aircraft were lost, Singh responded sharply. “They ask how many of our planes were shot down, but never ask how many of theirs we destroyed. The real question is, were our soldiers harmed? The answer is: No.”
‘Peace, But Not at the Cost of Security’
Rajnath Singh reiterated that the Modi government has always made efforts for peace, citing India’s past attempts at dialogue. “However, the surgical strikes of 2016, the Balakot air strikes in 2019, and now Operation Sindoor, reflect a new doctrine: peace cannot be built on the foundations of terror.”
He concluded with a stern warning: “If Pakistan tries anything again, Operation Sindoor will not remain paused. We know how to talk peace, but we also know how to speak in a language the vicious understand.”
As Parliament braces for an extended debate, Singh’s address has set a nationalistic tone, affirming India’s resolve to strike terror at its roots while avoiding needless escalation.
