Srinagar, May 15, 2025 – In a powerful and emotionally charged address to Indian Army soldiers at Badami Bagh Cantonment, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh declared that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has fundamentally redefined India’s response to terrorism, stating unequivocally that “any attack on Indian soil will be considered an act of war.” This assertion marks a landmark shift in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine, signalling a new era of zero-tolerance backed by decisive military action.
A Message of Strength from the Heart of Kashmir
Standing before the brave men and women in uniform, the Defence Minister emphasized India’s enduring commitment to peace, but made it clear that the nation’s patience has limits. “India has never supported war and always prioritised peace, but when its sovereignty is challenged, the country will respond decisively,” he said.
He issued a stern warning to Pakistan, asserting that if it continues to harbor and support terrorism, it will “pay a heavier price”. The Defence Minister’s words echoed with resolve and carried the weight of the government’s unwavering stance against terror.
Operation Sindoor: A Historic Strike Against Terrorism
At the center of his address was the unprecedented Operation Sindoor, which Shri Rajnath Singh hailed as the largest and most impactful anti-terror operation in India’s history. He lauded the Indian Armed Forces for their surgical precision, courage, and unyielding spirit in striking terrorist hideouts, stating that “Operation Sindoor was more than a defence—it was a message.”
“Every soldier aspired to track down and eliminate every terrorist hideout. They killed Indians based on their religion, but we targeted them for their actions,” said the Raksha Mantri, adding that the operation was both a moral and strategic imperative. The retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, he said, was a matter of “dharma” for India’s forces—ensuring justice for the victims and safety for the future.
Terror Has No Sanctuary Now
Rajnath Singh emphasized that Operation Sindoor has sent a powerful and unequivocal message to terrorist networks and their sponsors in Pakistan: “Nowhere is safe.” He lauded the precision and strategic brilliance of the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting that they now carry out missions with unmatched clarity and confidence, empowered by a government that stands firmly behind them.
Exposing Pakistan’s Nuclear Blackmail
Taking a firm stand on nuclear security, Shri Rajnath Singh criticized Pakistan for its reckless and provocative nuclear rhetoric. Highlighting Islamabad’s repeated threats, he questioned, “Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation?” He urged the international community to take serious note of this danger and called upon the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to place Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal under strict supervision.
Remembering Pahalgam & Calling Out Deception
The Defence Minister paid homage to the innocent civilians and soldiers who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, acknowledging the pain and sacrifice that led to India’s robust response. He recalled Pakistan’s false promise, made 21 years ago to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that it would no longer export terrorism. “Pakistan has deceived India time and again. It must stop sheltering anti-India elements,” he said.
Rajnath Singh also drew attention to Pakistan’s economic downfall, noting how it now depends on loans from the IMF, while India is among the nations that contribute to the fund to support poorer countries.
Talks Only on Terrorism and PoK
Reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s doctrine, Rajnath Singh declared that “Terrorism and talks cannot go hand-in-hand.” He asserted that if any dialogue with Pakistan were to occur, it would focus solely on ending terrorism and the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Standing with the Armed Forces
The Defence Minister’s address was not only a message to adversaries but also one of gratitude and assurance to India’s military. He honoured the brave soldiers who fought with courage, saluted those who laid down their lives in supreme sacrifice, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured heroes of Operation Sindoor.
“I bring a message from the people of India: We are proud of our Forces,” he said. He praised the Armed Forces for their unparalleled bravery and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to equipping them with the most advanced weapons, technologies, and infrastructure.
From modern rifles and drones to missile defence shields and enhanced border connectivity, Rajnath Singh highlighted how the government is focused on building self-reliance in defence manufacturing—aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
A United India Against Terror
In conclusion, Shri Rajnath Singh expressed deep confidence in the Armed Forces and the nation’s united stance against terrorism. He reaffirmed that the government and the people stand united with the Armed Forces, expressing confidence that India’s unwavering resolve will lead to the complete eradication of terrorism from the region.
“No one will be allowed to cast an evil eye on India’s sovereignty,” he declared.
Leaders Join in Solidarity
Also present at the significant occasion were:
- Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha
- J&K Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah
- Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi
- Senior officials of the Indian Army
Their presence marked a rare and powerful show of unity between political leadership and military command in a region long at the center of cross-border tensions and insurgency.
Operation Sindoor and the bold assertions made by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh today underline a decisive shift in India’s counter-terrorism policy—a firm message to the world that India will no longer tolerate aggression on its soil and will respond with strength, precision, and purpose.
